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Smart Growth UK

@smartgrowthuk.bsky.social
1.4K followers 742 following 817 posts
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 13h
The need for adaptation, as well as mitigating, grows ever stronger. This will involve the Government in London ending its futile attempts to destroy planning to encourage builders to build and reconstructing planning as the basis of our adaptation response.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 15h
The need to rewrite our planning system to adapt to things like the threat to #FoodSecurity posed by climate change - protecting farmland from development etc. - is now recognised. Except in Whitehall of course.
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Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
READ: Time to end the REAL war in our cities! “The road lobby’s war on walking, cycling, and transit have continued profitably for more than a century. The time has come for peace.” A NEW article on the #WarOnWalking by @grantennis.bsky.social @brenttoderian.bsky.social, and @tomflood.bsky.social
transportxtra.com
A time for peace: End the war on walking, cycling, and trans
The war on the motorist and 15-minute conspiracy theories are fiction. The truth is that there is a war on walking, cycling, and transit that has made a one-hou
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Here’s what we really need to focus a lot more discussion on — you don’t need to hate cars in order to want people to have the CHOICE to walk, bike and take public transit in your city. Better cities provide more choices, and work better for EVERYONE. Bad cities offer only dependency. #CarDependency
Picture of a street with public transit (trams), people riding bikes in a bike lane, and people strolling while holding hands on a wide sidewalk, in central Melbourne. #MultiModal
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The Past and other Places @pastandotherplaces.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"According to Aviva's research, nearly a third of new homes built in 2024 will be at risk of some flooding by 2050, and one in seven would be at medium to high risk of flooding as extreme weather becomes more acute." #housing #ClimateCrisis www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Aviva boss warns more homes will be uninsurable due to flood risk
Aviva boss Amanda Blanc said England was "for sure" building homes that might be uninsurable at some point in the future.
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Laurie Dunkin Wedd @ldw1.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Microsoft wants to build three massive AI data centres in Leeds. It’ll drain thousands of litres of water from the River Aire and become the city's biggest carbon emitter. We can still stop the council's final sign-off, but we need more voices. Add your name: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/pr...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Stop the Microsoft AI megasite in Leeds!
Microsoft want to build three huge AI data centres at Skelton Grange. It would drain the River Aire and become the city's biggest carbon emitter. We can still stop it - add your name to the petition.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Modern Britain. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
‘Devastating’: council rejects Frome residents’ bid for regeneration project
Locals raised £1m for Mayday Saxonvale scheme involving homes and park but Somerset officials agreed deal with London-based real estate company
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Action to Protect Rural Scotland @aprscotland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Celebrating our big win on Wednesday when the Government announced all hyperscale data centres over 50MW will require Environmental Impact Assessments AND and then a Parliament vote for pausing all planning applications for up to 12 months until guidance is issued. aprs.scot/news/celeb...
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🚶‍♀️🌳 It's #WorldCarFreeDay! From Newcastle to Great Yarmouth to London, communities are enjoying car-free streets where children can play and people can connect. A glimpse of a future with cleaner air and affordable public transport for all. Read more 👉https://ow.ly/wwhU50ZPIbI
Child holding colorful chalks next to a bucket with a quote about imagining a less car-dependent future for children on World Car Free Day.
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Chas Booth (he/him) @chasbooth.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
His own research shows Scotland can't meet its #climate targets without demand management. He's just ruled that out. * Flynn criticised over 'massively damaging U-turn' on Edinburgh congestion charge www.heraldscotland.com/news/2656354...
heraldscotland.com
Flynn criticised over 'massively damaging U-turn' on Edinburgh congestion charge
City of Edinburgh Council’s Green group has hit out at the decision, which was revealed in a written question lodged at Holyrood earlier this…
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Cycling Scotland @cyclingscotland.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
📰 "Scotland may have witnessed a landmark moment: for the first time in Edinburgh, cars were outnumbered by bicycles during morning rush hour on a key commuter route... a sign that, as a nation, we are beginning to embrace the health benefits of active travel." www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
People travel by bike on a protected cycle lane on Leith Walk in Edinburgh.
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Andy Scollick @andyscollick.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"The reason that application for planning permission was overturned was the fact that it was going to be fully provided with electricity off diesel generators and had no clear plan for how renewable energy was going to work," said Senator Cathal Byrne. #datacentres #datacenters
thejournal.ie
Man who won appeal overturning Mayo data centre hopes it 'represents change in thinking'
The data centre’s planning was overturned by An Coimisin Pleanála due to impact on the electricity grid and climate impact.
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Green Alliance @green-alliance.org.uk · 16/09/2026
🛬⚠️ @thecccuk.bsky.social has advised there's "no credible pathway" to expand Heathrow within climate safety limits. This government-requested analysis shows that by 2050, Heathrow's expansion emissions alone will exceed any other economic sector. And just look at aviation's total contribution.
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Are we doing enough to make low-carbon travel the easiest and most attractive option for everyday journeys? Read our latest blog: bettertransport.org.uk/blog/the-hea…
bettertransport.org.uk
The heat is on: transport in a climate emergency
Climate change is a global challenge, but it demands action at every level. Transport has a particularly important role to play. It is the UK's highest-emitting sector, with road transport accounting for the largest share of those emissions. Yet despite growing awareness of the need to cut carbon, transport emissions rose last year.
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Government has announced that 29 new battery-electric trains will be built in Derby, to run between key destinations in the north of England. Here's our reaction.
Ben Plowden of Campaign for Better Transport says: "This is positive news for jobs and the economy in the Midlands. And with more accessible trains, speedier journeys and thousands more seats, it's great news for passengers in the north of England too. In fact, we all benefit when better rail journeys tempt more people on board, from clearer roads, cleaner air and a more stable climate. However, it is important that in celebrating these new bimode trains - which are undoubtedly better than diesel - we don't forget about the need to electrify our rail network."
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STAUNCH Campaign @staunchcampaign.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
We are starting Monday sitting strong at £11,600! That means we are exactly £3,400 away from smashing our £15,000 stretch milestone.Help us secure our #CourtOfAppeal fund to protect the #UpperNeneValley SPA from #megawarehouses. Let's clear this next hurdle! 👇 #STAUNCH #SaveOurCountryside
crowdjustice.com
Wildlife Not Warehouses
Our Judicial Review at the High Court was dismissed. Our legal team believe that there are grounds for appeal in relation to the judge's approach on 2 grounds.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
So @economist.com, things like serious damage to #WaterSecurity, energy supplies, greenfield land, employment and noise pollution don't matter? For a technology that might well be obsolete in 10 years?
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
The penny is slowly dropping that mega-data centres are a threat to employment, #watersecurity, energy supplies and land. They may also be obsolete a few years down the line. tinyurl.com/5n6juj4c
tinyurl.com
Hundreds gather to urge Scottish government to pause datacentre boom
Opposition mounts as at least 20 projects proposed, including one in Fife billed as second largest in world
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
While the US government is doing nothing, US states are taking action against the threats posed by data centre sprawl. Here, of course, local government has been diluted to nothing and regional government is non-existent apart from "elected mayors". tinyurl.com/b6tr5fe4
tinyurl.com
Is the Tide Turning?
Plus: Be Irreplaceable
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
If anyone is still kidding themselves that England's protected areas are still protected from housing sprawl following the hollowing-out of #planning should read this. tinyurl.com/yc5rjm3t
tinyurl.com
CPRE Sussex fights to protect High Weald from more major development
CPRE Sussex is working to enhance, promote and protect our countryside. Love Sussex's beautiful rural areas? Find out more and get involved.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Today's reminder to ministers that the only way to achieve the vital shift from greenfield to #brownfield is by telling HM Treasury to get stuffed and reinstate #BrownfieldFirst. tinyurl.com/bdf5ydbp
tinyurl.com
Five reasons why we love brownfield land and why is should come first!
CPRE Lancs partners with MSA Live to promote GM Ringway.
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Record summer temperatures show why climate action can't wait. Transport is the UK's biggest-emitting sector, so it must be central to the response. Today we're hosting an online summit with experts from transport, academia and civil society to discuss the solutions. 🌍🚍
City street scene with traffic during a golden sunset, capturing urban life.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
If @andyburnham.bsky.social wants to move the UK away from the #neoliberalism of the past 45 years, his government will need to drop the destruction of the #planning system it's been pursuing so vigorously. But since he became PM, it's further doubled down on it. tinyurl.com/3s7f7y7h
tinyurl.com
Andy Burnham promises more devolution and public control of essential services
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Burnham was offering "more government control, more taxes and more politicians", as he addressed MPs for the first time as PM.
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Transport Action Network @transportaction.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
The Treasury is asking for ideas for the Autumn Budget. Help us to make the case for sustainable transport by filling in the Treasury’s survey transportactionnetwork.org.uk/autumn-budge...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk
Autumn Budget Survey 2026
Autumn Budget Survey 2026 The Treasury is asking for ideas for the Autumn Budget. Help us to make the case for sustainable transport by filling in the Treasury's survey here (selecting 'Transport' at ...
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
If you ever doubted the importance of buses to the economy and employment, check out these eye-opening stats: www.metroline.co.uk/better-bus-conn…
metroline.co.uk
Better bus connectivity key to unlocking economic opportunity, growth and productivity across the UK - Metroline
New research shows that almost one in seven (14%) bus users1 surveyed have had to turn down or quit a job because it was too hard to get to Two-thirds (66%) of business leaders say that poor transport connectivity is limiting their ability to hire the staff they need 68% say improved bus links would […]
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
BLOG Like all new PMs in this era of neoliberal government, @andyburnham.bsky.social is fast disappointing his supporters. Predictably, his government is as busy as its blue & #BlueLabour predecessors in wrecking #planning's ability to protect our environment. tinyurl.com/3ehc85nc
tinyurl.com
Burnham hits Disappointment Street – Smart Growth UK
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Tom Walsh @tewalsh340.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
No New Data Centers It doesn’t have to be this way.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Creation of more power, water & land-hungry #DataCentres has emerged as a key election issue in the American mid-term elections. Here we seem unable to stand up for our communities' right to oppose anything in the face of central government's determination to destroy #planning. tinyurl.com/yfcusvvy
ms.now
Opinion | Trump is giving Democrats a golden opportunity on data centers
The politics of AI are changing — and policy should reflect that.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Ain't that the truth...
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Dr Charlie Gardner @charliejgardner.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
"Harvest 2026 is on track to be the worst harvest on record, going back to 1984 when detailed data from Defra dates back to." eciu.net/analysis/rep...
eciu.net
Impact of heatwaves and drought on UK harvest prospects in 2026
Yields are below the 1o-year average for wheat, spring barley and oats, with average yields for winter barley and good, above average yields for oilseed rape.
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Our analysis—quoted by the The Guardian—found an extra £300m a year would ensure the 1 in 7 people without a decent bus service finally have access to one. A £1bn annual investment would deliver best-practice bus services to communities across the country. ow.ly/XhmA50ZEAWM
One in seven people in England lack access to reliable bus services, highlighting transport inequality.
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The Ranty Highwayman @rantyhighwayman.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Floating bus/ tram stop. The good kind. #Vienna
Photo taken from the island of a floating bus and tram stop. To the left, a white car passes and to the right, a two way road for trams and buses.
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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Almost a third of the UK’s carbon emissions come from transport - more than any other sector - mostly from cars, vans and lorries. That's why choosing to travel more sustainably by public transport, walking/wheeling or cycling is one of the most effective things we can do to tackle climate change.
31% of UK carbon emissions are from transport, the highest among all sectors, illustrated by a car emitting exhaust on an orange background.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Interesting to see that data centres are now a significant issue in US politics while here they're still nodded through by central government, despite their damage to power, water and land.
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UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) @ukceh.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Soil is a vital natural asset, underpinning food security, biodiversity, water quality & climate resilience. Yet it remains under-measured. UKCEH & Carbon Asset Solutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to progress joint working in the area. www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-med... 🧪
Small tractor-like vehicle with a trailer attached sitting on farmland, Image includes the logo for Carbon Asset Solutions
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 19/08/2026
This stopped me in my tracks. An independent study by @qmul.bsky.social has found that after ULEZ was introduced, children’s lungs grew faster in Central London and have now caught up with children outside of the capital. Incredible.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
What a brilliant move by the Government - upping the annual house building target to 370,000 just at the moment the market weakens to the point where builders are going to stop building. But, of course, as ever, "it's all the fault of #planning". tinyurl.com/mrykfa4a
tinyurl.com
UK house prices up just 0.1% in July as buyers remain cautious on interest rates
Price of average home now £277,542, up from £277,484 the previous month but lower than in May, says Nationwide
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
You can tell the Government's embarrassed about its new planning changes as it's implementing them in mid-August and headlining them with a bit of populism about pubs. tinyurl.com/hmrm5hjf
tinyurl.com
Changing pubs into offices or homes to be made harder under new rules
The rules will come into force on Monday along with other changes to planning policy.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
"They whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad."
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
BLOG Despite the Treasury finding reasons why not, it's now blindingly obvious that Great Britain needs a national water grid. That's an issue governments have thought about, but avoided, since 1930. tinyurl.com/5n7purjc
tinyurl.com
It’s time for a national water grid – Smart Growth UK
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Sneak preview of the new NPPF. House building - yes Data centres - yes Distribution sheds - yes Solar farms - yes Greenfield-first - yes New highways & airports - yes Protection of farmland, flood plains, nature, forests, heritage, water supplies - don't make me laugh.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
So much for one of the stupidest myths perpetrated by the #DenialistScam - that carbon dioxide is "plant food" and increasing concentrations of it will stimulate plant growth and "green the planet". Like the rest of the oil & gas industry lobbying, it's codswallop. tinyurl.com/bdfm22ef
tinyurl.com
Fossils show huge carbon emissions harm forests, not ‘green the planet’
Study of 56m-year-old leaves counters claims from Trump administration members of ‘benefits’ of fossil fuel pollution
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Now is the moment to scrap England's National Planning Policy Framework and adopt a #planning system which protects the land our #FoodSecurity needs from destruction by sprawl housing, distribution depots, solar farms and data centres. tinyurl.com/ynssp4ed
tinyurl.com
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Isn't it time the UK implemented a complete moratorium on approving any more of these power/water/land-hungry monsters?
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The grouse moor lobby is out in force today, blaming ‘rewilding’ for wildfires and demanding government lift restrictions on… burning moorland! They want to burn heather because it increases grouse numbers. You don’t fight fire with fire. You fight it with water! www.dailymail.com/news/article...
Daily Mail front page today, headline reads: ‘Rewilding link to record fires’ (followed by an article which provides zero evidence for this bollocks claim, just a bunch of grouse moor lobbyists moaning about wanting to burn more heather this year)
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Today's reminder that the #geography the world needs to map its future is becoming a victim of #neoliberalism.
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Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
A LOT of us are non-drivers. And given the big public costs and consequences of driving, we should be making that easier, not harder. Are we putting our public money in the right places? Our SECOND messaging collaboration with @nondriver.bsky.social. Spread the word. #UrbanTruth
“Non-drivers make up 1/3 of the US population. Does your government invest at least 1/3 of the transportation budget making walking, biking, and public transit great?” — Anna Zivarts.

Tagline at the bottom says “Budget for the mobility we want, not the mobility we have.“ Via the Urban Truth Collective collaborating with Anna Zivarts
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Today's reminder for all those who believe we can go on squandering our already scarce farmland to make way for sprawl housing, distribution sheds, data centres and solar farms.
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Smart Growth UK @smartgrowthuk.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Today's reminder that we need to stop smashing the #planning system and to give it the powers to prevent any further dumping of sprawl housing, distribution sheds and solar panels on productive farmland. tinyurl.com/mr8exz3w
tinyurl.com
Britain could face food shortages as drought continues, farmers warn
Farmers battle to salvage what they can of their crops as heatwave set to continue
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NBC4 Washington @nbcwashington.com · 01/08/2026
Some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said Virginia has to stop approving new data centers altogether until the impacts on water, electricity and other issues are figured out first.
nbcwashington.com
Virginia state senators call for data center moratorium
The calls to stop data center growth in the data center capital of the world are getting louder as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle get behind calls for a statewide moratorium. Some lawmakers said...
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