Expected environmental performance

Ford presents unique opportunities to reduce harmful effects on our environment.

All houses would be built to the Code for Sustainable Homes. Building design principles will enable low power consumption and low waste generally.

It is anticipated that Ford would become a Zero Carbon community by utilising the natural advantages associated with its geographical location.

For instance, proximity to the River Arun (the second fastest flowing river in the country) will provide renewable energy to the settlement from the strong tidal flow. This provides an opportunity for Ford to become an exemplar is this field of environmental technology.

Consideration can be given to incorporating a river powered electricity generation into the design of an Arundel Bypass to provide renewable energy for an Eco-Town at Ford. An "Eco-Arundel Bypass" might even pay for itself over time - in renewable energy! Previous proposals for an Arundel Bypass have been turned down on environmental grounds - perhaps an "Eco-Arundel Bypass" might help to overcome other environmental considerations?

Bognor Regis consistently features in the top 3 of the sunshine league. This makes Ford an ideal location for the research, development and use of solar energy.

The coastal location provides an opportunity for wind powered energy generation utilising smaller wind turbines for individual homes and businesses.

The site is surrounded by grade 1 and 2 agricultural land, which is suitable for bio mass crop production.

The site would enable the adoption of combined heat and power (CHP).

The South East generally has water supply problems and Ford would present an opportunity for the introduction of Rainwater Harvesting enabling the re-use of water for residential, community and business purposes.

The presence adjacent to the site of a waste water treatment plant will enable the safe re-use of water for residential and business purposes.

The nearby materials recovery facility (MRF) should give rise to the provision of energy from residual waste (EfW).

The proximity of the proposed development to the nearby MRF provides an opportunity to incorporate vacuum sorted underground waste removal (similar to Hammarby Sjostad, Stockholm). This provides an opportunity for Ford to become an exemplar is this field of environmental technology. The vacuum waste system would be owned by the community and an appropriate offset against Council Tax would be expected, resulting from the elimination of refuse collection.

Sustainable public transport will reduce carbon emissions.

Aggregates for building construction are available on site by recycling the concrete of the runways.

Large scale tree planting (woodland spines running through the development) and the creation of hedgerows will be planned into the 58 hectares set aside for open spaces.

Bio Corridors will be created to encourage the movement of wildlife between the South Downs and the coast. There is an existing wetland area, with ponds, to the north of the railway line which would be retained.

Footpaths, bridleways and cycleways within the site will be designed to link the coast and the South Downs as well as serve the residential, business and Parkway areas. This will actively contribute to the general health and well-being of the population and reduce carbon emissions. 

Covered walkways may be considered where appropriate to encourage walking in inclement weather.

Residents of the eco-town will be provided with community owned land offering the opportunity to grow their own food either in shared gardens or in communal allotments, incorporating modern and organic horticultural techniques. Surplus food grown would be sold in the eco-town market or local retail shops.

Currently, there is an existing and popular market and car boot sale on Ford airfield, which would be retained in a new purpose built area, therefore continuing the local tradition of recycling of domestic goods and sale of locally grown produce.

It is anticipated that some of the assets associated with the eco-town will be community owned. For instance, bio-mass boilers, energy from waste plants, combined heat and power plants, vacuum waste disposal, land for organic food production etc. This will make living in the eco-town cheaper for its community.

Page last edited: 13/12/2007