A new campaign has been launched in Parliament to persuade the Government to put climate change at the heart of the English planning system.
A cross-sector coalition of organisations – including leading planners and countryside and environmental organisations – has drawn up draft planning guidance which would transform the system’s ability to meet the challenge of tackling climate change. The draft guidance was unveiled to MPs at a launch in Westminster. The coalition, which has been brought together by Friends of the Earth and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), has made detailed suggestions for improving the planning process by making it fairer and ensuring that it plays its part in slashing carbon emissions and meeting the targets set out in the Climate Change Act.
The proposals include:
* Setting renewable energy targets for local councils
* A duty on local authorities to map out green energy opportunities in their area that would enable them to meet their targets – especially potential community-based schemes
* The establishment of a technical body to monitor progress
* Setting up an education programme on climate change for councillors and planners
Communities and Local Government has committed to updating the Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on climate change, together with the PPS on renewable energy, in the Renewable Energy Strategy in July this year. The aim is to publish a draft combined PPS for public consultation by the end of the year.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, TCPA chief planner Dr Hugh Ellis said: “We need effective strategic action where we all take responsibility for reducing emissions. “Justice and sustainable development have to be at the heart of the system. It’s not about mindless deregulation; it’s about putting the planning system to work to save our communities.” However, the renewable energy sector is dubious about councils zoning areas for renewable energy projects. Gaynor Hartnell, chief policy officer for the Renewable Energy Association, said: “We agree with much of the position statement but we don’t think that mapping “areas-of-opportunity” would be helpful for renewable energy development.
“It has been used for wind energy in Wales and parts of Scotland but has not been a success. Wind energy developers know best where to site projects. It’s their day job.” [Link]
