Climate change to be put at heart of planning system

Peter Moore of Viridis explains about a new campaign has being 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The draft guidance will be unveiled to MPs at a launch in Westminster today, which will be addressed by Housing Minister John Healey.

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. 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
planner.

Viridis Consultant Peter Moore said:
“The planning system must play a key part in UK efforts to meet its targets for tackling climate change.

“New guidance is desperately needed to boost green development and prevent carbon-hungry projects from being approved.

“Local councils have a major role to play in ensuring UK emissions reductions are met – the Government must ensure that local councils get serious about CO2.”

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