11 September 2008 - Participation, co-operation and community ownership are the solutions to creating sustainable urban environments, Green Party leader and MEP for the South East will say at a panel debate in London today (11 September).

In a session entitled ‘Rethinking sustainability’ at the Stephen Lawrence 8^th Annual Memorial Lecture, Dr Lucas will attack the ‘bricks and mortar’ approach of mainstream models of regeneration which prioritise quick profits over the need to empower community residents.

At the event hosted by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, Dr Lucas will say:

“Plentiful green space, access to good public services and improved safety all lie at the heart of successful and sustainable communities. But in order to create neighbourhoods that really ‘work’ – economically, socially, culturally and environmentally – we also need to give people a stake in their communities.

“Reducing crime, improving prosperity, and ensuring access to services like a GP, good schools or just somewhere to kick a ball around are hugely important. Most of all though, a sense of community is crucial. Residents must be given genuine opportunities to participate in decision-making regarding their homes and areas.

“Problems can then be tackled collectively, with respect for the equality of all residents. A stronger focus on socially inclusive housing and development would inevitably make it easier for people to get to know one another.”

Dr Lucas continued: “Every UK city has a story to tell of estates built in the 1960s and 70s where shared walkways and open spaces have not brought people together, but have become places to dump rubbish, deal drugs or simply avoid out of fear of crime. UK property developers have a lot to answer for.

“Even now, the 21^st century buzzword ‘regeneration’ often means turning run down areas into high profile retail or office developments for high profit, with promises about job creation for local people often ringing hollow.

"To create safer and happier communities that are socially and environmentally sustainable, we need groundbreaking environmental design, as well as a commitment to ensuring the provision of local employment and of well-insulated, affordable homes.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Dr Caroline Lucas MEP will take part in the ‘Rethinking sustainability’ debate alongside British designer Wayne Hemingway MBE, Yaw Osseo-Asare from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and Peter Morrison, CEO of the RMJM Group.

The event is being held at Royal Institute of British Architects at 6.30pm.