Archived press release

Ethical funds 'concerned' over vodafone hq plan

21 July 1999

Three of the UK's top ethical funds, all with holdings in mobile phone company Vodafone,have contacted Friends of the Earth expressing concern over the company's plana to build an 'out of town' international headquarters on a greenfield site near Newbury. The controversial development - which is awaiting a decision from John Prescott as to whether it should be called in - is expected to be raised today (Wednesday) by shareholders at the company's AGM in London [11.30am, Institute of Electrical Engineers, Savoy Place].

FOE wrote to a number of the UK's top ethical funds highlighting Vodafone's controversial plans for a new HQ. Three companies - Friends Provident, Scottish Equitable Ethical Fund and NPI Global Care - have told FOE that they have concerns about the HQ.

Vodafone, which supports the building of the Newbury bypass, plans to build an 'out of town' international headquarters on greenfeild land to the north of Newbury. It includes seven separate buildings (covering over 17.1 hectares) and nearly 2000 car parking spaces. As well as generating traffic, the HQ would also increase pressure for housing in the surrounding countryside. FOE believe that Vodafone should look at more suitable options in Newbury near Reading.

Adrian Foster-Fletcher, co-ordinator of Newbury Friends of the Earth, said:
“Vodafone's proposed new HQ is yet more bad news for Newbury's environment. It will generate traffic and increase pressure for housing in the surrounding countryside. This development is clearly at odds with Government planning policies. Vodafone should think again - if it doesn't the Government must intervene to stop it going ahead”

West Berkshire Council, the local planning authority, has passed on responsibility for deciding about the HQ to the Secretary of State, John Prescott, as the proposal is not covered in its Local Plan. He is expected to make a decision on whether to hold a public inquiry before the end of this month.

Notes
1. Over 22 of the UK's 40 ethical funds have shares in Vodafone, one of the world's largest telecommunication companies [Ethical Investment Research Service].

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust