Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Speaking of being green or, at least taking an active interest in green issues
I have spent much of today at Excel where the Futurebuild exhibition just opened for three days (google Futurebuild 2026). This annual event now brings together all manner of enthusiasts for doing everything better from an enviromental viewpoint. It is heartening to feel the positive energy emanating from crowds of true believers and to see the many exhibitors from UK and other European nations so deeply engaged in the practical things that have to be done if we are to tread more lightly on the planet. Brits from Bristol and Suffolk, Spaniards from Galicia, Albanians promoting Bavarian windows, Portuguese selling processed cork insulation, Swedes selling super light weight joists, educators and trainers galore, specialists in retrofitting, trade associations, products from recycled materials, products from compacted straw, many novel applications of AI to the work of designing for, example, energy systems. I came away with some new ideas for products and/or systems to use for the new house that Trudy and I are preparing to build in the garden behind our house. Watch this space. It will be at least as green as a Granny Smith and perhaps as green as a Harringay councillor!
Now I must head for Smith Square for the annual Julian Priestley lecture.
It’s a busy life being retired. Everyone should try it.
Tags for Forum Posts: Futurebuild, Green
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Peter Corley
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Elizabeth writes:
When I read this, the question I asked myself was: 'If you are a 'Green', why are you building a house on your garden?' I have seen quite a few planning applications in which people justify building on their garden (or, as they sometimes call it) 'land to the rear of' !!) by promising to use 'sustainable' materials.
If you are fortunate enough to have a garden, the best way to 'tread more lightly on the planet' is to plant greenery.
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Permalink Reply by Dick Harris
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Peter, I share Elizabeth's concern about building in gardens but, if you look at this case in particular, you might agree that it is pretty exceptional. You and Elizabeth (who is she?) would be most welcome to come and see the site if your wish. The planning papers can be seen on Haringey's public web-site (case number HGY/2025/0815).
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Many thanks, Dick, for your comments and for the invitation to come and look at your plot. I'll decline the offer, however, and it would be difficult for Peter, my late partner, to come - he died just over 2 years ago. I have been very lazy about changing his name on several subscriptions, especially as we shared the same email address.
I see from your planning application that there have been several precedents for people to build on back gardens along Wightman Road, so it would have been difficult for the Council to refuse you.
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Sorry, clicked on wrong button! Elizabeth
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