This was first published on the Say NO to High Rise Hell in Basildon Town Centre Facebook page

Who should we listen to? The likes of Councillors Aidan McGurran and David Burton-Sampson? A couple of PR manipulators slithering their way up the greasy political pole?

Do we listen to Gavin Callaghan? Again, politics, PR and the political climb seem to be his main experience and ultimate aim. Of course! He started early and is still a very young ambitious man. There’s nothing wrong with ambition in your chosen field is there?

And they may well be experts in their chosen fields.

However, isn’t it better to listen to the experts when we want to know what the research and findings are, regarding the social impact of high rise living?

Gavin Callaghan and Co actually do consult with experts. They spent something like £1 million over the last year on consultants, who you might assume must be experts.

But what seems to be happening is that they decide what they want to do – and THEN consult experts for the purpose of achieving that aim. Getting it done regardless. Think of it. Tick a box. Do it.

WHY IS THIS EXPERT NOT ON THE COUNCILS LIST OF PAID CONSULTANTS?

Here’s a real expert. Jan Gehl Hon. FAIA is a Danish architect and urban design consultant based in Copenhagen whose career has focused on improving the quality of urban life by re-orienting city design towards the pedestrian and cyclist.

Here he gives us: 7 Reasons Why High-Rises Kill Livability

These points deal with problems such as detachment above a certain amount of floors (5), relatable vs non relatable building scale, social interaction, the concept of the upward sprawl, high rise concept in relation to social status, energy efficiency and physical and mental health well-being.

#believeinbasildon Listen to the experts Gav!#believeinabetterbasildon