03 February 2012
We are pleased to announce the first fundraising initiative by Consense in support of our charity partners Renewable World.
For every twitter follower of @ConsenseUK we have by the start of the Olympics, we pledge to donate 10p to support renewable energy projects in poorer parts of the world. Our goal is to reach 2012 followers by the opening ceremony on the 27th July 2012. If we achieve this, our Twitter Challenge could raise a maximum of £201.20
In addition to this challenge, we have many other fundraising ideas in the pipeline so keep checking back for future updates. Meanwhile, follow us @ConsenseUK and don’t forget to retweet too!
For further information on the work of Renewable World visit http://www.renewable-world.org/
02 February 2012
As developers make ready for the introduction of the coalition government’s Localism Bill, Jess gives some timely advice on how to persuade local communities of the need to recognise and accept their new found responsibilities for local planning.
Click on this link to see the article in full and find out more about how to engage communities in an effective and meaningful manner. http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/740a33a2#/740a33a2/34
19 January 2012
Consense is managing the public consultation process for Charles Church Developments Ltd and City & Provincial Properties PLC on plans to develop ’Wandle Riverside’, a sustainable mixed-use development on the Wandle Valley Trading Estate site in Hackbridge.
The scheme will include approximately 120 new homes; an enhanced public route along the River Wandle; and the opportunity to maintain long-term employment. It is envisaged the homes at the Wandle Riverside scheme will be 3 or 4 bedroom family homes which will enable families to maintain and put down roots in Hackbridge. There may also be a small number of apartments. Some of the homes will be affordable housing; with the final number to be agreed with the Local Authority. Homes will be sustainable, built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Consense has launched an online consultation; is running public and stakeholder exhibitions; and has sent letters and newsletters to residents, councillors and third party groups. This will enable Charles Church and City & Provincial to collect valuable feedback before a detailed planning application is submitted to the London Borough of Sutton in late February.
Consense has also carried out initial research, compiled a consultation strategy, and is managing media relations.
For further information please visit www.wandleriverside.co.uk
18 January 2012
Infinergy Ltd is proposing to construct and operate an onshore wind farm known as Limekiln Wind Farm. The site is located around 1.5km south of Reay, Caithness in the Highlands of Scotland. The land is currently used as a commercial woodland plantation and is approximately 11km2.
The proposal is still at an early stage in its design but a 30-50 turbine scheme is anticipated with the potential to produce enough green electricity to meet the annual demand of around 50,000 households per year.
Infinergy has completed the scoping stage of the development and submitted the report to the Scottish Government and all relevant consultees. The full Scoping Report can be found in the downloads section of the website.
The full application, which will include an Environmental Impact Assessment, will be submitted to the Scottish Government later this year following public consultation, providing local residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say on the proposed development.
http://www.limekilnwindfarm.co.uk
04 January 2012
We have been appointed by Charles Church Developments Ltd to plan and manage public consultation for a forthcoming sustainable mixed-use development.
Charles Church has grown to establish itself as one of the country’s foremost housebuilding brands; whilst maintaining its unrivalled reputation for the design and quality of the country homes, landmark city and waterside schemes it builds.
More information will be posted soon
21 December 2011
Plans by Churchmanor Estates Company for Chequers Court, Huntingdon, have received planning consent.
We launched the consultation for the scheme in July 2010, outlining proposals to transform the Chequers Court area with a new shopping centre and a selection of several large and small shops; all designed to attract new high quality retailers to the town centre. Plans also include a stylish restaurant unit with a raised open seating area created to enhance the food offering in Huntingdon.
This scheme aims to complement the proposed plans put forward by Sainsbury’s and the District Council for converting the existing supermarket into retail units and a new multi-storey car park respectively. When finished the new development will see the town centre completely revitalised with more parking and a great variety of shops and restaurants.
Our work included research and strategy and managing an online consultation and a public exhibition.
We would like to extend our congratulations to Churchmanor and all involved in the project.
11 November 2011
We saw off competition from seven other businesses, in the ‘Advisor of the Year - Technical' category at the inaugural national Renewable Energy Infrastructure Awards 2011, held at The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London on the 10th November. The award champions excellence in supporting the development of renewable and low-carbon energy projects, and was presented to us by Charles Hendry, Minister of State for DECC. Jessica Topham, Director for Consense said, “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award. This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our small but highly skilled team who work tirelessly to achieve success for our clients. To be chosen as winners in this category is fantastic recognition for us and should help inform those in industry about the benefits of meaningful and effective community consultation in renewable energy projects”.
27 October 2011
Speaking at the Renewable UK Conference in Manchester, the home of the first industrial revolution, The Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP argued that renewable energy will deliver a third industrial revolution for Britain. He said, "I want to take aim at the curmudgeons and faultfinders who hold forth on the impossibility of renewables. Yes, the UK is only 2 percent of global carbon emissions. But if we grasp the opportunity now our businesses and economy can be much more than 2 percent of the solution."
He went on to address three renewable energy myths. The first that renewables are uneconomic and held up by government cash alone. The second that renewables cannot deliver secure power at scale and the third: people don’t want renewables. The full speech covers these and other points very well and is definitely worth reading. Indeed, in tackling the third myth he echoed a sentiment which resonates strongly with us at Consense, "We must ensure the silent majority aren’t drowned out by the vocal minority – those opposed to renewable energy in all its forms"
Huhne cited an Ipsos MORI poll asking for UK views on wind (82% favourable) and gas (56%) and stresses the industry must carry on making the case for renewables. Engaging with communities – and answering its critics by delivering renewable schemes that save money and save carbon.
We at Consense couldn’t agree more! Our trusted approach to consultation is essential in enabling industry to do just this and as Mr Huhne said we currently have a golden opportunity which we need to take.
26 October 2011
We are delighted to announce our new charity partnership with Renewable World.
As a business which specialises in community engagement for the renewable energy sector, it makes perfect sense for us to team up with the charity and help bring sustainable energy to poverty stricken areas across the globe.
Renewable World, formally known as the Koru Foundation, is a UK based charity set up by individuals from the renewable industry in 2007 to act as the link between the European renewable energy sector and poor communities who are most vulnerable to climate change.
It tackles poverty in developing countries by enabling the provision of affordable renewable energy systems for remote off-grid communities. These projects light up homes, schools and clinics. Clean water is pumped to households for washing, cleaning and cooking, and to fields for crop irrigation. Access to energy stimulates trade and enterprise and improves access to health and education opportunities.
Consense employees will spend the next year raising money in a number of ways such as sporting challenges and will also explore ways to work alongside other companies in the renewables sector to help raise as much money as possible for the charity.
More news on our fund raising activities will follow soon.
07 October 2011
We have launched a pre-registration page for the Seventone, Hammerson retail regeneration scheme for Sheffield City Centre.
The development programme for the scheme was impacted by the recession in 2009 and over the past 18 months the consented scheme has been fully reviewed by Hammerson in close collaboration with Sheffield City Council. Following the review the compulsory purchase order has been implemented and Hammerson have looked to extend the existing planning permission.
Registered users will be notified when the consultation opens.
http://www.sevenstone.co.uk/
30 September 2011
Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa is developing The Jeffreys Bay Wind farm, located in the Eastern Cape between the surfing town of Jeffrey's Bay and Humasndorp. This is a 138MW renewable energy project. Mainstream South Africa intend to install approximately 60wind turbines and feed the 478,716,480 kwh of electricity per annum into the existing 132kV Eskom transmission line that crosses the project site to meet their national need for clean electricity. The project aims to start construction Q2 2012.
The Jeffreys Bay Windfarm represents one of most progressed wind farm development projects in South Africa. This flagship project is essentially ‘shovel ready' and is currently preparing to make its application to the Department of Energy's renewable energy procurement process in November 2011.
http://www.jeffreysbaywindfarm.co.za
14 September 2011
Regeneco, part of the Galliford Try group, is exploring the possibility of a small wind farm adjacent to the M40, between Shotteswell and Hanwell, north of Banbury.
The project is currently at a very early stage and Regeneco is assessing the site's suitability. Once this has been established, an initial scheme will be proposed. This is not likely to happen until 2013 once a number of feasibility studies and on-site wind monitoring have been completed.
At this stage, however, it is thought the site could accommodate a small wind farm (five to eight turbines with a maximum tip height of 130m), which would produce around 10 - 20MW of clean, green energy.
www.ironstonewindfarm.co.uk
06 September 2011
Plans by vogt solar for an old quarry site at Crossways Pit to be transformed into a solar farm have been approved.
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9219765.Old_quarry_site_at_Crossways_to_turn_into_solar_farm/.
The consultation was launched in January 2011and outlined plans for a 5MW solar farm at Crossways Pit, Redbridge Road, Dorset.
We managed the pre and post submission consultation for this scheme from initial strategy to managing public exhibitions, media relations, enquiry management and reporting.
We would like to extend our congratulations to vogt solar and all involved in the project