January 2023

T H E  •  W H I T E  •  P A P E R

Cost-of-living crisis

The cost-of-living crisis affects almost all of UK households and businesses. Unfortunately, some are being hit harder than others. Figures show that over three-quarters of adults in the UK are cutting back on spending as prices for everyday living continues to rise due to high inflation, a rise in interest rates, higher energy prices and wages that are struggling to keep up.

A Perfect Storm?

One of the biggest drivers for increased costs in the UK is the soring increase in energy supply prices.

The effect of Russia cutting gas supplies by almost 90% since the start of the war on the Ukraine has forced the UK government to act more quickly at supporting alternative sources of energy supplies away from imported fossil fuels and invest more in sustainable energy within our shores.

An increased electricity demand in the UK (and globally) from a purposeful movement towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) to encourage sustainable travel and flexible working from home arrangements has all helped to create a much higher demand on electricity requirements in just a few short years.

So what is the solution?

The UK has the capability to produce its own renewable energy in abundance via wind and solar farms but from our experience planning applications for these types of development are met with much objection and resistance from local communities believing these reduce house prices in the local area due to visual and noise pollution and are detrimental to wildlife.

The objection to a certain extent is understandable as the beauty of our green space and landscape is something we British hold dear and are fiercely protective of and nowhere wants to be the sacrificial lamb for the sake of the rest of the country’s energy supply, so what is the solution?

More debate is needed at a National and Local Government level regarding where the best place is to create such energy farms to satisfy our current and future energy requirements and what compensatory measures, if any, need to be put in place to protect the local area, occupants and wildlife habitats. In an era where we can build cities on sand we at Knightsbridge Planning feel a solution can be found.

Time is now for sustainability

No matter what your political opinions we all must agree that more action needs to be taken in finding solutions to sustainability and greener energy. At Knightsbridge Planning we have the experience and expertise to navigate the tricky path of renewable energy development applications.

Governments must keep investing in renewable energy, communities and supporting the people most effected. Communities must also come together to support the future of sustainability by learning, understanding, and finding areas of compromise to embrace the future of our communities living amongst renewable energy farming. Things aren’t just black and white and we need to have a creative way of thinking and a different approach.

Seeing things differently

At Knightsbridge Planning we look at things differently, if you are struggling with a project and need help and advice get in touch for a free workshop to see how we can help you move forward. We know planning is not Black and White, and neither is our approach. With creative thinking, careful planning, and clear communication we steer projects forward.

Mansfield District Council have teamed with RIBA to find multi-disciplined design team to deliver a housing scheme close to Mansfield Town Centre, Nottingham. The scheme is designed to regenerate this part of the town, and all going to plan building work to commence within the summer of 2024.

The deadline for receipt of application is:
12pm (midday GMT) on Wednesday 15th February 2023

As we embark on a new year, I wanted to take a moment to focus on the power of positive thinking and the impact on our professional lives

Research has shown that adopting a positive outlook can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and production. As business professionals, having a positive mindset can not only benefit ourselves but also those around us and ultimately drive success. Read more about how positive thinking can help you, click here.

On behalf of myself and all the team at Knightsbridge Planning, here’s to a year of growth, success and positivity in business and at home.