The London Borough of Hackney may become the first UK local authority to adopt a “Wood First” policy in its planning guidance as soon as this summer, inspired by Wood for Good’s 2011 Timber Manifesto.
Hackney council is holding a special ‘stakeholder symposium’ on May 17 where the issue will be discussed and Wood for Good will make a presentation.
The “Wood First” concept is one of seven steps recommended in the Timber Manifesto to increase the use of wood in the UK and, in so doing, help the country achieve its low carbon economy, sustainable development and wider environmental goals. It was inspired by policies in France, and other European countries which stipulate that timber forms a set percentage of material in new building.
“Our view is that this was the key Manifesto recommendation – although we’re not urging government and local authorities to be as proscriptive as saying a proportion of timber must be used in new build, rather that a “Wood First” policy could be incorporated at planning guidance level,” said Wood for Good head of external affairs David Hopkins.
Wood for Good, he added, has so far given initial presentations on Wood First to a dozen local authorities, including Hackney, as well as contractors, builders, architects and other specifiers.
“We’re saying that Wood First could be a relatively low cost way to meet their low carbon agenda, which, with the adoption of higher standards of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the Breeam green building code and so on is becoming increasingly important,” he said. “The encouraging response we’re receiving is ‘yes, that could work for us’. “
As well as representatives of Hackney’s planning department, the audience at next week’s Wood First symposium will also include planning officers from other London local authorities and the Greater London Authority, contractors, builders and architects.
“Nothing is signed and sealed yet, but Hackney invited us to present, so we’re very positive,” said Mr Hopkins. “If it wins the planning department’s approval, it could go to a council cabinet vote in six to eight weeks,” said Mr Hopkins.
If Hackney does adopt a Wood First policy – which he stressed would be for RMI work as well as new build – Mr Hopkins believes it could inspire other council’s to follow.
“And we will continue to present to individual authorities and their umbrella organisations,” he said. “We also believe that builders and contractors who adopt Wood First, will help spread the message.”
Supporters can also sign a new Wood First petition on the Wood for Good website ( www.woodforgood.com/wood-1st).
