Smart Growth UK
@smartgrowthuk.bsky.social
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Burnham hits Disappointment Street – Smart Growth UK
tinyurl.com
BLOG Like all new PMs in this era of neoliberal government,
@andyburnham.bsky.social is fast disappointing his supporters.
Predictably, his government is as busy as its blue & #BlueLabour predecessors in wrecking #planning's ability to protect our environment.
tinyurl.com/3ehc85nc
@andyburnham.bsky.social is fast disappointing his supporters.
Predictably, his government is as busy as its blue & #BlueLabour predecessors in wrecking #planning's ability to protect our environment.
tinyurl.com/3ehc85nc
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
His own research shows Scotland can't meet its #climate targets without demand management. He's just ruled that out.
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Flynn criticised over 'massively damaging U-turn' on Edinburgh congestion charge
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2656354...
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Flynn criticised over 'massively damaging U-turn' on Edinburgh congestion charge
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2656354...
Flynn criticised over 'massively damaging U-turn' on Edinburgh congestion charge
City of Edinburgh Council’s Green group has hit out at the decision, which was revealed in a written question lodged at Holyrood earlier this…
www.heraldscotland.com
September 19, 2026 at 7:30 AM
His own research shows Scotland can't meet its #climate targets without demand management. He's just ruled that out.
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Flynn criticised over 'massively damaging U-turn' on Edinburgh congestion charge
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2656354...
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Flynn criticised over 'massively damaging U-turn' on Edinburgh congestion charge
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2656354...
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
📰 "Scotland may have witnessed a landmark moment: for the first time in Edinburgh, cars were outnumbered by bicycles during morning rush hour on a key commuter route... a sign that, as a nation, we are beginning to embrace the health benefits of active travel."
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
September 18, 2026 at 9:39 AM
📰 "Scotland may have witnessed a landmark moment: for the first time in Edinburgh, cars were outnumbered by bicycles during morning rush hour on a key commuter route... a sign that, as a nation, we are beginning to embrace the health benefits of active travel."
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
"The reason that application for planning permission was overturned was the fact that it was going to be fully provided with electricity off diesel generators and had no clear plan for how renewable energy was going to work," said Senator Cathal Byrne. #datacentres #datacenters
Man who won appeal overturning Mayo data centre hopes it 'represents change in thinking'
The data centre’s planning was overturned by An Coimisin Pleanála due to impact on the electricity grid and climate impact.
www.thejournal.ie
September 18, 2026 at 7:33 AM
"The reason that application for planning permission was overturned was the fact that it was going to be fully provided with electricity off diesel generators and had no clear plan for how renewable energy was going to work," said Senator Cathal Byrne. #datacentres #datacenters
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
🛬⚠️ @thecccuk.bsky.social has advised there's "no credible pathway" to expand Heathrow within climate safety limits.
This government-requested analysis shows that by 2050, Heathrow's expansion emissions alone will exceed any other economic sector. And just look at aviation's total contribution.
This government-requested analysis shows that by 2050, Heathrow's expansion emissions alone will exceed any other economic sector. And just look at aviation's total contribution.
September 16, 2026 at 3:42 PM
🛬⚠️ @thecccuk.bsky.social has advised there's "no credible pathway" to expand Heathrow within climate safety limits.
This government-requested analysis shows that by 2050, Heathrow's expansion emissions alone will exceed any other economic sector. And just look at aviation's total contribution.
This government-requested analysis shows that by 2050, Heathrow's expansion emissions alone will exceed any other economic sector. And just look at aviation's total contribution.
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
Are we doing enough to make low-carbon travel the easiest and most attractive option for everyday journeys?
Read our latest blog: https://bettertransport.org.uk/blog/the-heat-is-on-transport-in-a-climate-emergency/
Read our latest blog: https://bettertransport.org.uk/blog/the-heat-is-on-transport-in-a-climate-emergency/
The heat is on: transport in a climate emergency
Climate change is a global challenge, but it demands action at every level. Transport has a particularly important role to play. It is the UK's highest-emitting sector, with road transport accounting for the largest share of those emissions. Yet despite growing awareness of the need to cut carbon, transport emissions rose last year.
bettertransport.org.uk
September 12, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Are we doing enough to make low-carbon travel the easiest and most attractive option for everyday journeys?
Read our latest blog: https://bettertransport.org.uk/blog/the-heat-is-on-transport-in-a-climate-emergency/
Read our latest blog: https://bettertransport.org.uk/blog/the-heat-is-on-transport-in-a-climate-emergency/
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
The Government has announced that 29 new battery-electric trains will be built in Derby, to run between key destinations in the north of England. Here's our reaction.
September 11, 2026 at 6:48 AM
The Government has announced that 29 new battery-electric trains will be built in Derby, to run between key destinations in the north of England. Here's our reaction.
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
We are starting Monday sitting strong at £11,600! That means we are exactly £3,400 away from smashing our £15,000 stretch milestone.Help us secure our #CourtOfAppeal fund to protect the #UpperNeneValley SPA from #megawarehouses. Let's clear this next hurdle! 👇
#STAUNCH #SaveOurCountryside
#STAUNCH #SaveOurCountryside
Wildlife Not Warehouses
Our Judicial Review at the High Court was dismissed. Our legal team believe that there are grounds for appeal in relation to the judge's approach on 2 grounds.
www.crowdjustice.com
September 7, 2026 at 7:15 AM
We are starting Monday sitting strong at £11,600! That means we are exactly £3,400 away from smashing our £15,000 stretch milestone.Help us secure our #CourtOfAppeal fund to protect the #UpperNeneValley SPA from #megawarehouses. Let's clear this next hurdle! 👇
#STAUNCH #SaveOurCountryside
#STAUNCH #SaveOurCountryside
So @economist.com, things like serious damage to #WaterSecurity, energy supplies, greenfield land, employment and noise pollution don't matter?
For a technology that might well be obsolete in 10 years?
For a technology that might well be obsolete in 10 years?
There is a respectable argument for slowing down AI research, but it rests on the danger to all humanity of the technology being abused or going rogue—not the local harms of data centres
The moral panic over data centres is foolish
A backlash fuelled by misinformation and misunderstanding
bit.ly
September 6, 2026 at 9:16 AM
So @economist.com, things like serious damage to #WaterSecurity, energy supplies, greenfield land, employment and noise pollution don't matter?
For a technology that might well be obsolete in 10 years?
For a technology that might well be obsolete in 10 years?
The penny is slowly dropping that mega-data centres are a threat to employment, #watersecurity, energy supplies and land.
They may also be obsolete a few years down the line.
tinyurl.com/5n6juj4c
They may also be obsolete a few years down the line.
tinyurl.com/5n6juj4c
Hundreds gather to urge Scottish government to pause datacentre boom
Opposition mounts as at least 20 projects proposed, including one in Fife billed as second largest in world
tinyurl.com
September 4, 2026 at 8:50 AM
The penny is slowly dropping that mega-data centres are a threat to employment, #watersecurity, energy supplies and land.
They may also be obsolete a few years down the line.
tinyurl.com/5n6juj4c
They may also be obsolete a few years down the line.
tinyurl.com/5n6juj4c
While the US government is doing nothing, US states are taking action against the threats posed by data centre sprawl.
Here, of course, local government has been diluted to nothing and regional government is non-existent apart from "elected mayors".
tinyurl.com/b6tr5fe4
Here, of course, local government has been diluted to nothing and regional government is non-existent apart from "elected mayors".
tinyurl.com/b6tr5fe4
Is the Tide Turning?
Plus: Be Irreplaceable
tinyurl.com
September 3, 2026 at 2:01 PM
While the US government is doing nothing, US states are taking action against the threats posed by data centre sprawl.
Here, of course, local government has been diluted to nothing and regional government is non-existent apart from "elected mayors".
tinyurl.com/b6tr5fe4
Here, of course, local government has been diluted to nothing and regional government is non-existent apart from "elected mayors".
tinyurl.com/b6tr5fe4
If anyone is still kidding themselves that England's protected areas are still protected from housing sprawl following the hollowing-out of #planning should read this.
tinyurl.com/yc5rjm3t
tinyurl.com/yc5rjm3t
CPRE Sussex fights to protect High Weald from more major development
CPRE Sussex is working to enhance, promote and protect our countryside. Love Sussex's beautiful rural areas? Find out more and get involved.
tinyurl.com
September 3, 2026 at 9:43 AM
If anyone is still kidding themselves that England's protected areas are still protected from housing sprawl following the hollowing-out of #planning should read this.
tinyurl.com/yc5rjm3t
tinyurl.com/yc5rjm3t
Today's reminder to ministers that the only way to achieve the vital shift from greenfield to #brownfield is by telling
HM Treasury to get stuffed and reinstate #BrownfieldFirst.
tinyurl.com/bdf5ydbp
HM Treasury to get stuffed and reinstate #BrownfieldFirst.
tinyurl.com/bdf5ydbp
Five reasons why we love brownfield land and why is should come first!
CPRE Lancs partners with MSA Live to promote GM Ringway.
tinyurl.com
September 3, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Today's reminder to ministers that the only way to achieve the vital shift from greenfield to #brownfield is by telling
HM Treasury to get stuffed and reinstate #BrownfieldFirst.
tinyurl.com/bdf5ydbp
HM Treasury to get stuffed and reinstate #BrownfieldFirst.
tinyurl.com/bdf5ydbp
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
Record summer temperatures show why climate action can't wait. Transport is the UK's biggest-emitting sector, so it must be central to the response. Today we're hosting an online summit with experts from transport, academia and civil society to discuss the solutions. 🌍🚍
September 2, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Record summer temperatures show why climate action can't wait. Transport is the UK's biggest-emitting sector, so it must be central to the response. Today we're hosting an online summit with experts from transport, academia and civil society to discuss the solutions. 🌍🚍
If @andyburnham.bsky.social wants to move the UK away from the #neoliberalism of the past 45 years, his government will need to drop the destruction of the #planning system it's been pursuing so vigorously.
But since he became PM, it's further doubled down on it.
tinyurl.com/3s7f7y7h
But since he became PM, it's further doubled down on it.
tinyurl.com/3s7f7y7h
Andy Burnham promises more devolution and public control of essential services
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Burnham was offering "more government control, more taxes and more politicians", as he addressed MPs for the first time as PM.
tinyurl.com
September 2, 2026 at 7:46 AM
If @andyburnham.bsky.social wants to move the UK away from the #neoliberalism of the past 45 years, his government will need to drop the destruction of the #planning system it's been pursuing so vigorously.
But since he became PM, it's further doubled down on it.
tinyurl.com/3s7f7y7h
But since he became PM, it's further doubled down on it.
tinyurl.com/3s7f7y7h
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
The Treasury is asking for ideas for the Autumn Budget.
Help us to make the case for sustainable transport by filling in the Treasury’s survey transportactionnetwork.org.uk/autumn-budge...
Help us to make the case for sustainable transport by filling in the Treasury’s survey transportactionnetwork.org.uk/autumn-budge...
Autumn Budget Survey 2026
Autumn Budget Survey 2026 The Treasury is asking for ideas for the Autumn Budget. Help us to make the case for sustainable transport by filling in the Treasury's survey here (selecting 'Transport' at ...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk
August 31, 2026 at 8:14 AM
The Treasury is asking for ideas for the Autumn Budget.
Help us to make the case for sustainable transport by filling in the Treasury’s survey transportactionnetwork.org.uk/autumn-budge...
Help us to make the case for sustainable transport by filling in the Treasury’s survey transportactionnetwork.org.uk/autumn-budge...
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
If you ever doubted the importance of buses to the economy and employment, check out these eye-opening stats:
https://www.metroline.co.uk/better-bus-connectivity-key-to-unlocking-economic-opportunity-growth-and-productivity-across-the-uk/
https://www.metroline.co.uk/better-bus-connectivity-key-to-unlocking-economic-opportunity-growth-and-productivity-across-the-uk/
Better bus connectivity key to unlocking economic opportunity, growth and productivity across the UK - Metroline
New research shows that almost one in seven (14%) bus users1 surveyed have had to turn down or quit a job because it was too hard to get to Two-thirds (66%) of business leaders say that poor transport connectivity is limiting their ability to hire the staff they need 68% say improved bus links would […]
www.metroline.co.uk
August 30, 2026 at 5:55 PM
If you ever doubted the importance of buses to the economy and employment, check out these eye-opening stats:
https://www.metroline.co.uk/better-bus-connectivity-key-to-unlocking-economic-opportunity-growth-and-productivity-across-the-uk/
https://www.metroline.co.uk/better-bus-connectivity-key-to-unlocking-economic-opportunity-growth-and-productivity-across-the-uk/
BLOG Like all new PMs in this era of neoliberal government,
@andyburnham.bsky.social is fast disappointing his supporters.
Predictably, his government is as busy as its blue & #BlueLabour predecessors in wrecking #planning's ability to protect our environment.
tinyurl.com/3ehc85nc
@andyburnham.bsky.social is fast disappointing his supporters.
Predictably, his government is as busy as its blue & #BlueLabour predecessors in wrecking #planning's ability to protect our environment.
tinyurl.com/3ehc85nc
Burnham hits Disappointment Street – Smart Growth UK
tinyurl.com
August 31, 2026 at 8:20 AM
BLOG Like all new PMs in this era of neoliberal government,
@andyburnham.bsky.social is fast disappointing his supporters.
Predictably, his government is as busy as its blue & #BlueLabour predecessors in wrecking #planning's ability to protect our environment.
tinyurl.com/3ehc85nc
@andyburnham.bsky.social is fast disappointing his supporters.
Predictably, his government is as busy as its blue & #BlueLabour predecessors in wrecking #planning's ability to protect our environment.
tinyurl.com/3ehc85nc
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
No New Data Centers It doesn’t have to be this way.
August 29, 2026 at 10:42 AM
No New Data Centers It doesn’t have to be this way.
Creation of more power, water & land-hungry #DataCentres has emerged as a key election issue in the American mid-term elections.
Here we seem unable to stand up for our communities' right to oppose anything in the face of central government's determination to destroy #planning.
tinyurl.com/yfcusvvy
Here we seem unable to stand up for our communities' right to oppose anything in the face of central government's determination to destroy #planning.
tinyurl.com/yfcusvvy
Opinion | Trump is giving Democrats a golden opportunity on data centers
The politics of AI are changing — and policy should reflect that.
www.ms.now
August 25, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Creation of more power, water & land-hungry #DataCentres has emerged as a key election issue in the American mid-term elections.
Here we seem unable to stand up for our communities' right to oppose anything in the face of central government's determination to destroy #planning.
tinyurl.com/yfcusvvy
Here we seem unable to stand up for our communities' right to oppose anything in the face of central government's determination to destroy #planning.
tinyurl.com/yfcusvvy
Ain't that the truth...
Public Restrooms 🤝 Bike Parking
You can't expect people to spend their day (and their money) in a neighborhood if there's nowhere to safely leave a bike or comfortably use a restroom. Basic human needs shouldn't be paywalled behind a cafe purchase.
You can't expect people to spend their day (and their money) in a neighborhood if there's nowhere to safely leave a bike or comfortably use a restroom. Basic human needs shouldn't be paywalled behind a cafe purchase.
August 25, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Ain't that the truth...
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
"Harvest 2026 is on track to be the worst harvest on record, going back to 1984 when detailed data from Defra dates back to."
eciu.net/analysis/rep...
eciu.net/analysis/rep...
Impact of heatwaves and drought on UK harvest prospects in 2026
Yields are below the 1o-year average for wheat, spring barley and oats, with average yields for winter barley and good, above average yields for oilseed rape.
eciu.net
August 25, 2026 at 10:06 AM
"Harvest 2026 is on track to be the worst harvest on record, going back to 1984 when detailed data from Defra dates back to."
eciu.net/analysis/rep...
eciu.net/analysis/rep...
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
Our analysis—quoted by the The Guardian—found an extra £300m a year would ensure the 1 in 7 people without a decent bus service finally have access to one. A £1bn annual investment would deliver best-practice bus services to communities across the country.
https://ow.ly/XhmA50ZEAWM
https://ow.ly/XhmA50ZEAWM
August 24, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Our analysis—quoted by the The Guardian—found an extra £300m a year would ensure the 1 in 7 people without a decent bus service finally have access to one. A £1bn annual investment would deliver best-practice bus services to communities across the country.
https://ow.ly/XhmA50ZEAWM
https://ow.ly/XhmA50ZEAWM
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
August 21, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Reposted by Smart Growth UK
Almost a third of the UK’s carbon emissions come from transport - more than any other sector - mostly from cars, vans and lorries. That's why choosing to travel more sustainably by public transport, walking/wheeling or cycling is one of the most effective things we can do to tackle climate change.
August 20, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Almost a third of the UK’s carbon emissions come from transport - more than any other sector - mostly from cars, vans and lorries. That's why choosing to travel more sustainably by public transport, walking/wheeling or cycling is one of the most effective things we can do to tackle climate change.
Interesting to see that data centres are now a significant issue in US politics while here they're still nodded through by central government, despite their damage to power, water and land.
PUBLIC OPPOSITION TO DATA CENTERS IS NON-PARTISAN
Sherrod Brown is putting Jon Husted’s record on blast.
Husted was the point man as data centers poured in, benefiting from billions in tax breaks while communities were left dealing with higher electricity costs.
Sherrod Brown is putting Jon Husted’s record on blast.
Husted was the point man as data centers poured in, benefiting from billions in tax breaks while communities were left dealing with higher electricity costs.
August 19, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Interesting to see that data centres are now a significant issue in US politics while here they're still nodded through by central government, despite their damage to power, water and land.