Agenda item

To scrutinise how the Climate Emergency Action Plan is embedded into the Local Plan Update.

The Committee considered a report, set out at Agenda pages 33 to 44, which gave details of the actions taken within the Local Plan Update (LPU) to embed the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP).

Lindsay Ferris (Executive Member for Planning and the Local Plan) attended the meeting to introduce the report and answer Member questions, supported by Ian Bellinger (Service Manager for Growth and Delivery).

The report reminded Members that the Council was currently preparing an update to its planning policies, known as the Local Plan Update (LPU). The LPU was being prepared in the context of existing national planning policy, guidance and legislation. Its principal aim was to set out the strategy and associated policies for managing future development in the Borough.

In the ensuing discussion, Members raised the following points and questions:

What steps were there to future proof key planning documents to ensure that sustainability was embedded? It was confirmed that the updated Local Plan would provide a comprehensive definition of sustainability. A key aim was to require developers to provide accurate information on the sustainability of new developments.

Was the Climate Change Interim Position Statement (CCIPS) in place and being implemented? It was confirmed that the statement was in operation. It encouraged developers to go beyond existing standards and had been useful in some planning appeals. However, the new Local Plan would be the key document moving forwards.

The importance of embedding the CEAP into the LPU was emphasised. In order to ensure that Members were up to speed on progress, it was suggested that specific training and briefings be provided for all Members.

In relation to environmental standards for residential and non-residential development, what were the prospects for including the provision of solar panels in new buildings? It was confirmed that some councils were adopting a “fabric first” approach which promoted heat pumps and solar panels. Update building regulations could include a menu of options including solar panels.

In relation to changing behaviour, what teeth did the Council have in relation to setting standards above Government standards? It was confirmed that the teeth related to the enforcement process. WBC was of a small number of councils which had a compliance team for major developments.

In relation to the CCIPS, what sort of actions were developers taking in order to go beyond existing standards? It was confirmed that more effective use of insulation was a good example. The use of new technologies was driven by competition amongst developers and higher expectations from residents. The CCIPS did apply to single house developments.

Policy SS9: Adaptation to Climate Change, required development proposals to incorporate adaptive measures, including increased resilience to higher temperatures. What was expected from developers? It was confirmed that developers would be expected to look at solar gain and use systems which avoided heat gain.

In relation to flood risk and sustainable drainage, what measures could be taken to mitigate against flood risk? It was confirmed that the aim was to avoid putting infrastructure in areas liable to flood. The developer had to show that new development would not increase the risk of flooding. As an example, the proposals for Hall Farm could include mitigation through redesigning the river valley to enable it to hold more water. Officers were discussing this idea with the Environment Agency. It would be important to avoid knock-on effects further downstream.

Could the provision of high speed broadband be included? This would enable more residents to work from home thereby reducing traffic on the Borough’s roads. It was confirmed that this issue could be addressed within major developments. This could be pursued through the LPU.

RESOLVED That:

1)     Lindsay Ferris and Ian Bellinger be thanked for attending the meeting to present the report and answer Member questions;

2)     a further update report be submitted to the Committee, in due course, on the emerging policy direction and links between the LPU and the CEAP;

3)     all Members receive briefing/training on the emerging LPU and the importance of embedding the CEAP into the new Local Plan;

4)     officers seek to include appropriate provisions relating to the delivery of high speed broadband within the LPU, as this would help to reduce travel and carbon emissions across the Borough;

5)     officers continue discussions with the Environment Agency on potential “downstream” measures aimed at mitigating against the risk of flooding in the Borough;

6)     officers be congratulated on the progress made to date in embedding Climate Emergency measures within the emerging LPU.