End systemic discrimination in UK planning: build sustainable homes for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, culture and disability. 

I’m a black, female architect, campaigning for equality, diversity, inclusion  and sustainability in architecture and the built environment. http://www.owusu.uk.

Thanks for helping to raise £5000 for legal fees to fight the unfair and discriminatory planning refusal by Hastings Borough Council (HBC). See links to planning portal:

https://publicaccess.hastings.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=_HSTBC_DCAPR_117772

https://publicaccess.hastings.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=_HSTBC_DCAPR_118016

HBC claims to be concerned about “loss of open space”, if this small site is used for eco-homes, but the Government has ruled that development would  cause “no significant” environmental harm.

While rejecting proposals from two BAME applicants  on this small redundant site, Hastings  Council granted  permission for another 210 “standard” new houses by white developers, on large areas of nearby land - a total of 400 houses in all.

Direct and/or indirect discrimination on the basis of race, gender and ethnicity in architecture, construction and planning is well researched and documented: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/architecture-is-systemically-racist-so-what-is-the-profession-going-to-do-about-it.

Existing homes in this area of Hastings are mainly owned by white residents. Some appear to have consistently opposed the applications from BAME applicants. This is unfair and could lead to disparate outcomes.

Government and local authority guidelines should be applied impartially and fairly, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, disability or culture. The Public Sector Equality Duty also applies and the local authority has a concomitant duty to promote equality.

My designs are climate-friendly, adaptable for people with disabilities and elderly people with dementia. From the established and demonstrated merits of these homes and Hastings’ massive shortage of housing supply, I don’t understand why the Council should reject these applications. 

Given the challenges of the climate emergency, lifestyle changes forced by CoVid, and the threat of high energy bills, these designs are highly sustainable - with solar panels, air-source heat pumps, super-insulated walls and triple-glazed windows. They are in landscaped gardens with wildflower meadows and tree planting to increase the habitat for birds, bats and other wildlife by award winning landscape designers.

The National Planning Policy Framework states: “Local planning authorities should approach decisions…in a positive and creative way…and work proactively with applicants to…improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area (and) seek to approve applications for sustainable development where possible.”

The independent Design Review Panel, reviewing my designs said, “The Panel is supportive of the project aims and welcomes…this exciting form of development…” 

Maya Evans, Hastings Climate Change Champion has said, “Our objective is to make Hastings Council carbon neutral by 2030 and aim to supply 30% of the town’s electricity through local sustainable energy…”

Thanks so much for your kind support in sharing and donating. Local, national and international responses to my designs have been overwhelmingly positive. Hastings Council and its planning department should welcome this opportunity to act positively against institutionalised discrimination- setting an example for equality, diversity, inclusion and excellence in sustainable housing.