Our Proposals for Development
in Oatlands

After a short initial study of "Sustainability" and the proposed development site, we put together a set of brief ideas and recommendations, which we felt ought to be considered if this development wished to involve a measure of sustainability. This was submitted to Glasgow City Council at the beginning of March.
This document can be viewed here: Initial Recommendations

From these studies and observations, we set about to make some to make some informed recommendations about the development.These key proposals for Oatlands are in two parts. Both have arisen from our initial study into sustainability and Oatlands.

Firstly, we feel that the Population Density should be larger than currently proposed by the council. We feel this is essential if we are to have a sustainable urban environment. Secondly, we feel that a decent infrastructure incorporating sustainability aspects, and installed at the initial development phase is the key by which communities may reasonably progress on the path towards sustainability. Please follow each link for details and explanations concerning our proposals. Recommended Housing Density Recommended Infrastructure: Greywater Recycling Sewage Treatment Heating Supply from old mine Community Heating Main

Summary

The following is a summary of the infrastructure proposals, with some brief costs and benefits. A more detailed explanation can be found for each of the proposals under the links above. Following from this summary are some comments and points of note, which must be read in conjunction with these proposals, as they provide important insight.

• District Heating Main

  Cost:	GB£2million
  Benefits:	Cheap efficient method of heating many dwellings Potential to add in new sources

  
  
  
• Greywater Recycling System

  Cost:	GB£2.5milion
  Benefits:	Water consumption reduced by up to 33% (about 65million litres) Potential future savings

  
  
  
• Sewage Treatment System

  Cost:	GB£1.5million
  Benefits:	Zero foul water from community Potential fuel for community heating scheme

  
  
  
• Heating From Mine

  Cost:	GB£1.25million
  Benefits:	Cheap efficient heating for the community Large long-term financial savings

  
  
  
  

  Comment

  The costs given here are rough estimates of the cost of installation. They were produced from discussions with consultants, developers and suppliers. They are based on current market availability, and on some schemes that are already in operation.It is a valid assumption to assume that some of these costs may actually be less than above,as the estimates are mostly based on smaller systems. Even though many companies were helpful, no companies names are associated with any of the costs, as due to the lack of time, and speculative nature of the estimation, no price guarantees could be given. The intention of these costs is to give people a feeling for the magnitude of cost that is involved, rather than an accurate price. The total cost for all of this infratructure is estimated at GB£7.25million. At the present time, the figure being attached to the entire Oatlands development is GB£100million to GB£120million. We feel that this extra cost is not only acceptable, but also necessaryif the community as a whole wishes to progress towards sustainable living. We also feel that in the long-term, some of these systems are actually more economic. The most important common factor in all these benefits is that a decent infrastructure could be put in place at the time of development. Once this infrastructure is in place, there is the basis for a more sustainable management of energy, resources and waste. The alternative of retrofitting these systems would result in vastly increased costs, efforts and disturbances.