2025 – a bright new beginning?

Will 2025 see a change of tack by Wiltshire County Council? Will the logjams that we’ve experienced in relation to the Super-Midden be eased, maybe even removed? In truth, only time will tell.

As things stand, we face inertia with delays in responses to planning and permit requests. Deliberate delay or otherwise, we are working on a strategy to address this tardy dragging of feet by the authorities. Lobbying, Sustainable Anarchy Notices, and acts of direct action are all in the mix. But more on that in the new year.

Brighter news

On a much more positive note, we have good news from DBS, our development partners for the positively pressured greenhouses. In addition to extreme sunlight tests in the Middle East, the film that will form the shell of the inflatable structures has been undergoing welding and structural testing. So far, the material is performing well, which means we are on track for the construction of the prototype in the spring.

In other good news, the Gas Management team have been working hard and are setting new standards for odour management and our power generating engine reliability. Working throughout the Christmas period, they will be carrying out checks and maintenance..

Steppingstones to success

Looking ahead to 2025 – a pivotal year for us – two key developments fill us with much anticipation and great excitement. The first is the construction of the prototype positively pressurised structure growing environment (PPSGE). The second is work on the first two prototype fast-reacting gas cells for the Super-Midden. Success with these will catapult Sustain Wiltshire’s progress forward, bringing us closer to the realisation of a resilient, self-sufficient community of the future..

Until next time, have a great Christmas and a Sustainable New Year.

Nick Ash