19th July 2005

Only three weeks after the flash flooding that devastated large areas of Oxford, the intensity of which has been attributed to climate change, Oxford Greens have condemned the Council for failing to live up to their environmental rhetoric.

Despite strong words on the importance of climate change mitigation, the ruling Labour Group have refused to incorporate renewable energy measures in the new Barton Pool development. This is despite a recommendation from the councillors who granted it planning permission and an assurance that the Council's ruling Executive Board would begin to examine the sustainability of all new buildings funded by the City.

Cllr Craig Simmons, leader of the Green Group, commented: "We have just seen first hand the potentially destructive nature of weather caused by climate change. At a time when the City Council needs to be showing a lead on dealing with the problem, they are merely continuing with business as usual. Oxford could be a global leader in dealing with climate change, but the current administration simply doesnt have the political commitment to take the radical action needed."

During the planning stages of the Barton Pool development, Green councillors suggested several ways in which the building could be made more environmentally friendly - including solar-power to heat the water in the pool and to generate electricity. Councillors from across the political spectrum united at the Council's Strategic Development Control Committee in order to press for these improvements to be investigated and yet it has now been revealed that none of them will be implemented.

Cllr Sid Phelps, who is the Green representative on the City's Environment Scrutiny Committee added: "The City Council still lacks a coherent approach to climate change. Labour are very good at urging local businesses and developers to take sustainability seriously, but when it comes to our own buildings they are failing the test. We must take action now, and the time for half-measureshas passed."

FMI contact Cllr Craig Simmons at 01865 202257