Open Association of Landscape Industries
Appeal to the water companies before the deadline
I believe that the hosepipe ban imposed by the seven water companies in the south east will have a serious impact on the hundreds of small businesses working in the landscape industry in the south east.
Whilst we all understand the seriousness of the drought, the blanket ban imposed by Thames Water and others means that from 5 April, hosepipes cannot be used to water newly installed planting, turf and seeded areas. If you have not yet fully considered the implications of this, I have outlined my concerns in my letter of appeal (see below) and I am asking for a discretionary period for new garden installations.
All the water companies have a consulting period where representations or appeals can be made. The deadline for representations for Thames Water is 21 March (in writing to: Public Consultations Team, 2nd East, Thames Water, Clearwater Court, Reading, RG1 8DB - or by email to consultations@thameswater.co.uk). Check your water company for their deadlines and addresses.
I urge LJN members in the south east affected by this (there must be hundreds) to write to their water companies (please feel free to adapt my letter for your own business case if it helps). If there are enough people appealing and asking for a discretionary period, maybe our voices will be heard.
As an open association LJN is a voice in the industry and actively supports small businesses - a letter from LJN on behalf of its members in the south east may carry more weight. Strength in numbers?
Tags: ban, businesses, designers, drought, garden, hosepipe, landscapers, small
Replies to This Discussion
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Craig McGibbon on -
I do like the European law argument posted on Twitter Phil if it can be applied...
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Permalink Reply by Paramount Plants and Gardens on -
Will be very interested to find out more regarding the legality of the hosepipe ban / consultation process - it does appear to be completely prejudiced against gardeners and their concerns have been ignored. Thanks Phil to all at LJN working on this and as we discussed would be glad to assist in any possible way. (Karen)
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on -
I'll keep everyone posted on this as much as I can without jeopardising our position. Pip is working hard (lots of reading) to identify the key areas within EU law where breaches may have occurred.
We are also seeking legal advice too.
p.s. We appear to have a strong case that EU competition lawns and strict rules on consultation may have been breached.
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Pro DesignerPermalink Reply by Marie-Plews Garden Design on -
lets keep up the pressure...
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Permalink Reply by Tanya Batkin on -
Apparently we have so much of the stuff (even though some farmers and business are now facing a ban on extracting water from water courses) that Severn Trent are thinking of selling their surplus water to Anglian Water.
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Permalink Reply by Jane Heath on -
Now that, Phil, is REALLY interesting. I applaud you for what you are trying to achieve with this network and especially over this hugely important issue.
We must keep up the pressure. Having not yet done so as it was so frantic leading up to the ban, I haven't yet written to my MP. It may be as well to wait now in case you come up with anything positive?
Phil Voice said:I'll keep everyone posted on this as much as I can without jeopardising our position. Pip is working hard (lots of reading) to identify the key areas within EU law where breaches may have occurred.
We are also seeking legal advice too.
p.s. We appear to have a strong case that EU competition lawns and strict rules on consultation may have been breached.
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary RK on -
Jane, please write to your MP (we share the same one).
He appears sympathetic and we have had a good dialog over this ban.
The more he hears/feels the more seriously he will take it and ask deeper questions.
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Permalink Reply by Jane Heath on
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For sure someone needs to sit up and take some notice so I will be, Gary.
Gary RK said:Jane, please write to your MP (we share the same one).
He appears sympathetic and we have had a good dialog over this ban.
The more he hears/feels the more seriously he will take it and ask deeper questions.
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Austin Powell-Allen on -
I know this is a tricky subject and as gardeners rather than trying to fight this sometimes it could be another way of encouraging us to look at other ways to save water and encouraging customers to have water recycling systems put in for rain water or having ponds put in rather than filled in. Such as water butts which you can buy pumps for and use on a hose pipe. As generally there is less water to go around in the south as more houses are built here.
Still cant understand why companies cant look at using sea water as a top up method for water shortages as Britain is an island!
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Permalink Reply by Neil Brown on -
Hello All
I had a lengthy conversation with anglian water yesterday about a project I am about to complete which includes a new lawn. I pointed out the exceptions state as a business doing a service to a domestic customer can clean thier patio wash their windows so why not water a new lawn. After consulting with a colleague she came back to me and said as a service to my customer I can water the lawn to ensure its survival but my customer cant. as anybody else came across the same situation
Neil
N B Landscapes
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Austin Powell-Allen on -
As I understand it Veolia Water allow customers to water a lawn for the first 28 days with a hose pipe if they can prove it was installed by a professional trader. It makes it difficult if all companies are different, I believe that OFWAT should provide the sheet of what a hose pipe ban means so every company follows the same format. which has been agreed with all industry bodies, such as ourselves.
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Permalink Reply by John Cooke on -
Unless something has changed in the last week, Austin, that isn't the case. Veoila Central, have no dispensation for new lawns. I belive Southern Water started off with teh allowance you detailed and then withdrew it.
Austin Powell-Allen said:As I understand it Veolia Water allow customers to water a lawn for the first 28 days with a hose pipe if they can prove it was installed by a professional trader. It makes it difficult if all companies are different, I believe that OFWAT should provide the sheet of what a hose pipe ban means so every company follows the same format. which has been agreed with all industry bodies, such as ourselves.
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