In September’s very topical soapbox, Phil Newbold challenges the assumption that new development around villages cannot be ‘green’. He argues that in fact true sustainability often requires more, not less development for rural communities. In a passionately argued piece he explains why in his view, the current system is worse than useless when it comes to delivering sustainable development – and why the much disputed changes in the proposed new planning framework are unlikely to help.

‘Sustainable Development in a Pickle’ can be read on the AECB news pages. Remember you can add your views by posting on the AECB forum.

(If you want to comment on the National Planning Policy Framework, the government consultation is open until the 17th October. See http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/planningpolicy/planningpolicyframework/)

The Soapbox slot is open to any AECB member with a message they want to get across to fellow members and to the wider sustainable building world – the AECB website has at least 30,000 people viewing it every year.

If you’ve got an important point to make, email gill@aecb.net explaining what you want to say and why. Soapboxes are around 800 words long – all you will need to supply is the words, and your picture.