ABOUT KEEP THE G

Statement from Founder: Martin Norman

Keep the G in WGC

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I’ve had the privilege of living in both Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City (my place of birth and home since 2009). Now; most people will consider that in order to be called a City? A Town seeking this status should have a Cathedral; that’s my broad understanding. We know that for billions of people, a place of worship will provide them with the serenity, solace and comfort which prompted their visit to start with.

 

It was during late May 2021, whilst sat in my garden one afternoon, that I wondered if Ebenezer Howard may well have considered that access to one’s own green space could equally provide someone with similar serenity, solace and comfort? A place to admire nature, listen to birdsong, look at beautiful plants and vividly coloured flowers. Naturally I do respect that a garden is not a church, but I believe there are some parallels to be drawn.

 

So; bearing in mind what a privilege it is to have access to my own private garden, natural green space (especially when countless numbers were trapped indoors, in flats several storeys high), my thoughts turned to the current developments being built, and future plans, which are for the most part high density multi storey tower blocks. There simply is no comparison and I cannot see how such designs will ever look at home in Welwyn Garden City. Hence, ‘’Keep the G in WGC’’ was formed.

 

Ebenezer Howard was in my opinion a genius. His ideas have proven to be way ahead of their time, with his concept of ‘’Country living with Town benefits’’ proving so successful, both towns attract visitors from all over the world, with his blueprints recognised as essential study for countless people.

 

Both towns are replete with examples of a truly holistic imagination which I consider comparable to the architectural brilliance examples of Gaudi, found in thousands of places throughout Barcelona.

 

It is crucial therefore that in order for Howard’s impressive legacy to continue thriving for our future generations, our communities must pull together and scrutinise all future plans and developments, which are at the moment totally at odds with the Garden City ethos. This group was never intended to be anti development; indeed we are all acutely aware of the chronic housing shortage across the UK and particularly focused here in Hertfordshire.

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I believe there are always alternative solutions that can be found, avoiding excessive housing targets being imposed upon Welwyn Garden City to the extent that the original ethos will, unless we press hard for a complete re-think, be irreversibly eroded. Mistakes of design and poor decisions, will lead to a far too dense, far too high succession of developments. Another negative impact will be intrusion on well-established conservation areas and a very significant reduction in the quality of life not just for existing residents but also for those looking to move here. Those tasked with studying the design concepts of Welwyn Garden City will no longer be able to find them. Instead, they will only find archetypal high density tower blocks such as in London’s suburbs and the Midlands.

 

Here’s to our wonderful Community pulling together in this campaign, and preserving the legacy that Ebenezer Howard so kindly established for us. There may be much hard work ahead, but by working together in common cause, we can achieve so much!

 

 

Martin Norman

March 2022

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Ebenezer Howard’s vision was to welcome everyone to a diverse community with people from all backgrounds living in Peace, Friendship and able to enjoy each other’s company, celebrating art, culture and shared love and appreciation of beautiful natural surroundings, with tree-lined streets and an abundance of green space for all to enjoy.

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