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Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has today announced proposals to update planning rules for three planning policies to help councils to tackle climate change.
The new policy statements on Climate Change, Natural Environment and Coastal Change are intended give councils a "green planning rulebook" so new sustainable developments are planned and built with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and with the future climate in mind.
Nearly £10million has been made available to boost councils’expertise as "green champions", updating the tools and know-how they need to develop sustainable housing and energy sources for their areas.
Mr Healey also confirmed that a further two new areas have been added to proposed eco-town "second wave" originally announced in December. Two more councils – East Devon District Council and Fareham Borough Council – have expressed an interest in using eco-town standards for new settlements in their area. The bids need to meet the pioneering green standards set out in the eco-towns planning policy statement published last July, and will be subject to widespread public consultation and local planning approval before going ahead.
John Healey said:
"Today I am announcing a triple boost for councils to tackle climate change. Overhauled planning policies will act as a new green planning rulebook and the £10m for councils will provide training to help deliver action on the ground. I am also pleased to announce two new areas in the eco-town "second wave". Councils are making great progress and already highlighting where they can apply tough green standards in new developments. This signals real and radical momentum to change and to re-think how we design our towns and homes for the future.
"We know we need greener, renewable energy if we are to meet our ambitious low carbon targets. We also know that the ways and means for people to access this energy needs to be quicker and easier.
"The tougher, better guidelines for planning give councils a new blueprint, reflecting the latest targets and ensuring councils put combating climate change at the heart of future development – ultimately saving people money on their bills and reducing emissions."
Mr Healey also confirmed a final planning policy for managing coastal change, giving new planning powers to coastal communities to help their local economy and tourist industry. After extensive consultation, all inappropriate development such as housing will continue to be banned in areas vulnerable to coastal erosion.
However, there will no longer be a blanket ban on temporary development that has wider economic benefits, an acceptable coastal use and could be relocated when required.
Mr.Healey also announced a new consultation on the Natural Environment planning policy, which provides councils with updated guidance to plan for and provide for 'green infrastructure' – networks of parks, cycleways, rivers, allotments and trees on streets. The new Planning Policy Statements (PPS') and associated consultations are available at: Climate Change: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ppsclimateconsultation Coastal Change: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ppscoastalchange. Natural Environment: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/naturalenvironmentconsultation.
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