Industry supports principles of the Taunton Protocol

The Taunton Protocol - a blueprint for sustainable development - was well received by key players in the construction, property and development industries, when the draft of this pioneering document was discussed at the Building Future Perfect event on Fri 9 November. The event, hosted by the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Ken Hayward, at the Genesis Centre in Taunton, kicked off the consultation period for the Taunton Protocol - a tool to guide and support those responsible for development in and around Taunton, which is the first of its kind in the UK.

Cllr Ken Hayward set the tone for the event with his opening comments; "We in Taunton have a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of sustainable development with this protocol. I do not want lip service to sustainability but rather real commitment from developers."

The feedback at the event was positive, with delegates expressing support for what Project Taunton is aiming to achieve with the protocol. The ‘Question Time' session touched on a wide range of issues, including the social and wellbeing aspects of the protocol, how it would fit with the planning process, the measures being adopted to protect the environment and encourage biodiversity, and the effect that sustainable development will have on land values.

Ian Franklin, Project Director at Project Taunton, said "If the aims of the protocol are to be achieved, it is essential that we secure buy-in from all areas of the industry. By carrying out a period of consultation and gaining feedback from all relevant companies and individuals we will be able to create a truly workable document, which organisations will be keen to sign up to. We plan to launch the final protocol in first half of 2008 and hope that it will become an exemplary model for the country as a whole."

The protocol has received full support from the South West of England Regional Development Agency which is a major partner in Project Taunton, having committed over £7 million into the project to ensure the long term prosperity of the town.

Carl Budden, Somerset head of operations at the South West RDA, said "We fully support the development of the Taunton Protocol in order to raise the bar in sustainable development and regeneration. More than 100 delegates attended the event and we look forward to receiving the industry's feedback during the consultation period."

The protocol has already won backing from a number of companies, including Alder King. Chris Haworth, a partner at the firm, comments "We have supported the idea of a protocol from when it was first discussed a number of months ago. This document will encourage all areas of the construction industry to aim for best practice, rather than simply meet current statutory requirements. We will be heavily involved in the consultation period and look forward to seeing the response when the final document is launched next year."

Project Taunton has designed the Taunton Protocol to promote a coordinated approach. It requires developers, builders and professionals involved in the design and construction of new developments, to commit to 10 principles related to the following elements:

• Low carbon development

• Environmental responsibility

• Employment and training

• Design

• Wellbeing

Project Taunton aims to establish the Taunton Protocol as a byword for excellence; recognised both regionally and nationally as a leading example of coordinated best practice. Developers signing up to the protocol will place themselves several steps ahead of current legislation, putting them in a strong position for future regeneration projects.

To receive a copy of the draft protocol contact Robbie Lowes at Project Taunton on 01823 250 809. For more information on Project Taunton go to www.projecttaunton.co.uk

ENDS