In December 2007, the government responded to our calls for planning guidance which tackles climate change by publishing a Planning Policy Statement on Climate Change (you can read this at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ppsclimatechange).
Using the Planning system to tackle climate change
New regional and local development plans must be "climate proofed", with binding carbon emission reduction targets and adaptation measures to help communities withstand extreme climate impacts including flood risk, according to a recent report by Friends of the Earth and the Town & Country Planning Association, which the Ramblers' Association has endorsed.
Tackling Climate Change Through Planning (pdf)
The call comes in a mock planning policy statement on climate change supported by more than 20 experts, businesses and campaign groups.
It says Regional Spatial Strategies should set out the principles for low and zero-carbon development and actively promote low and zero-carbon energy sources. This in turn will help stimulate technological innovation, and should not be seen as an inflexible prohibition on development. Local Development Frameworks can then set targets within these strategies.
This kind of planning policy could enable local authorities to set local targets.
Target-setting is already established in national policy, and European directives require the collection of information about current emission levels. The policy statement sets out five stages for local planning authorities to start tackling emissions:
- establishing current levels of carbon emissions and vulnerability to climate impacts
- detailed analysis of new policy options
- target-setting to reduce carbon emissions and climate proof
- policy action
- monitoring and review
Through this coordinated approach the aim is to create a clear long-term sense of direction for communities, businesses and other stakeholders. The following organizations have endorsed the statement:
Acclimatize, Beck Mittle Hydro ltd, Butterfly Conservation, CPRE, Combined Heat and Power Association, Council for British Archaeology, Council for National Parks, Friends of the Earth, Futerra, green alliance, Greenpeace, The Herpetological Conservation Trust, Local Government Association, The National Trust, OISD, Places for People, The Ramblers, RSPB, RTPI, Sheppard Robson, Town and Country Planning Association, Vale Royal Borough Council, Wildlife Trusts.
