Ecotricity’s Dale Vince in ‘double standards’ planning row over Palestine flag
The flag is hanging from the firms HQ in Stroud
Ecotricity boss Dale Vince is in a dispute with district planners over the large Palestinian flag which hangs from the firm’s head office in Stroud.
Flags of sovereign nations recognised by the UK Government do not require planning permission.
Palestine, like Taiwan or Western Sahara, is currently not recognised as a country by the UK.
The council says this means the flag currently hanging from Lion House in Rowcroft requires advertisement consent.
Mr Vince has criticised what he believes as double standards in Western nations given that the Ukrainian flag has been flown across the country after Russia’s invasion – however Ukraine is recognised as a country by the UK.
A version of the Union Flag, which is used in the company’s branding, has been flown from Lion House in the past and this required planning permission which was sought by Ecotricty and granted by the council in 2016.
Mr Vince was asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service why the firm sought permission then but is not willing to apply for permission to be able to legally fly the Palestinian flag and whether this could be seen as a case of double standards like those Mr Vince claims to be calling out.
Mr Vince said: “It’s illogical to ask if applying for permission for a company logo is double standards when refusing to apply for permission for the flag of Palestine.
“And incorrect to claim the planning regulations require the country in question to be recognised by the UK – you need to read the regs for yourself, you’ll see they say the flag of any country can be flown.”
Mr Vince is supported by Green councillors, who run the authority, in flying the Palestinian flag.
They said officers were obliged to take advice on the matter after public complaints were made over the flag.
“This confirmed that the Palestinian flag is not listed among those with automatic or deemed consent, because Palestine is not a state recognised by the UK Government (unlike in 147 of 193 UN Member States),” a Green Party spokesperson said.
“As a result, the council has had to invite Ecotricity to submit a planning application for the flag on its building.
“Unfortunately, this disappointing outcome is not a matter where political leadership can intervene: councillors, even those who are part of a council’s administration, have no influence over this aspect of planning policy – rightly so, as politics should be kept out of such planning decisions.
“Regardless of the action Stroud District Council is required to take as local planning authority under national legislation, the Green group of councillors and the rest of Stroud District Green Party support Ecotricity in the decision to display the Palestinian flag on their building.
“The Ecotricity flag is a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people, and a protest against the violations of international law and the catastrophic violence being inflicted on them by the Israeli government.
“We join with Ecotricity in calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza and we share their support for all civilians caught up in the conflict.
“The Greens believe that this situation highlights the pressing need for the UK government to formally recognise the State of Palestine.
“Recognising Palestine is a vital step towards justice, equality and a sustainable peace. It demonstrates a commitment to international law and a balanced approach to the region.”
These comments could preclude Green Party councillors who sit on the development control committee at Ebley Mill from taking part in any future planning debate on the Palestinian flag at Lion House should such a proposal be forthcoming.
A Stroud District Council spokesperson said in England, certain flags may be flown without the need for express consent from a local planning authority.
And those not needing consent include national flags of states recognised by the UK Government.
“Flags of international organisations of which the UK is a member, and flags representing local authorities or public services also fall into this category. However, the Palestinian flag is not listed among those with automatic or deemed consent.
“This means that display of that flag on Ecotricity’s Lion House building is treated as an advertisement under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, primarily to ensure that displays don’t negatively impact public safety or amenity. Therefore, advertisement consent must be applied for.
“We remain committed to applying planning regulations fairly and consistently.”