Looking to cuts in the budget. . Back in 2020 the then-Chancellor extended a VAT cut for the hospitality sector. And last year, the current Chancellor… Read More »VAT and the tourist industry

“Hemp delivers four times the CO2 sequestration compared with the same area of forestry.” [Crop Production Magazine] . There are some imaginative ‘solutions to our housing… Read More »“Why isn’t the UK head over heels for hemp?”

“Many farmers have justified grievances about having to bear the burden of providing a vital service.” [Wildlife Trusts] “Will the angry exchanges between farmers and… Read More »Why are farmers so angry?

“Financially, it makes sense to enter unproductive areas of your farm into the more ambitious, higher paying actions of the SFI.” [AHDB consultancy] . The… Read More »The Sustainable Farming Incentive: food vs the environment?

Is the future agrivoltaic farming? “Legal and economic battles might arise in the coming years over conflicts about land use.” [Nature magazine] . When it… Read More »Solar and agriculture

Councils all around us and throughout the country are on the verge of bankruptcy and the County Council is having to make hard choices to… Read More »Devon County Council staving off bankruptcy

To what extent can the new application be “best described as a prison block”? “Sidmouth has one of the most elderly demographics in England: this… Read More »Knowle planning application: tweaked

… creating buildings and urban spaces which are good for our wellbeing. . It is clear that architecture shapes society – or as Churchill said, “We shape our… Read More »Architecture and mental health

“They are a way for politicians to really listen to the general public’s opinions and concerns.” [Electoral Reform Society] . It’s clear that we need… Read More »Citizens’ assemblies for Sidmouth/East Devon?

The four-day week is made permanent for most UK firms in the world’s biggest trial. “Are four-day weeks a good or a bad thing? And how… Read More »What does the four-day week mean for rural communities?

The Sidmouth Cycling Campaign has objected to the planning application, as this is contrary to EDDC’s own policy of improving facilities for cyclists. “Have they… Read More »Bicycle parking at Sidmouth Swimming Pool

Should Sidmouth subscribe to the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities? “… opportunities to widen participation across generations in addressing issues associated with an ageing… Read More »Is Sidmouth an ‘age friendly’ community?

Local Planning Authorities must integrate Biodiversity Net Gain at a local level. . What does Biodiversity Net Gain mean for local authorities ? The Local… Read More »England first to make Biodiversity Net Gain a legal requirement

A possible theme for the Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards 2025? . Last month, English Heritage published the results of its look at the high street – which… Read More »Celebrating our high streets

“Farming, food production and the environment go hand-in-hand and I’m sure the Prime Minister enjoyed meeting with our Devon farmers who strive daily to support… Read More »How can farmers make their case?