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A number of consultation draft PPS's have recently been issued including one on the subject of Climate Change and Associated Development.The full title of the draft is "Planning for a Low Carbon Future in a Changing Climate". It is out for consultation for 12 weeks i.e. - until mid June.

The document offers strong overall support to the development of renewable energy  infrastructure and it also specifically encourages Local Planning Authorities to assess opportunities in their areas for decentralised energy development (for example this includes micro wind developments). 

It is also proposed that regional strategies will set ambitious (minimum) targets and also that regional strategies should identify broad areas for specific types of development (e.g wind farms, hydro etc).

Proposed Development Control Policies include a commitment for Local Planning Authorities to have policies to not unreasonably restrict renewable and low carbon development.  It is stated that they should provide appropriate safeguards in their policies to protect the landscape and the townscape but not to preclude development of specific technologies other than in the most exceptional circumstances.  It is also made clear that, when approved, the National Policy Guidance for use by the IPC (relating to big infrastructure developments  -  e.g. wind farms in excess of 50 mW capacity) should further bolster the overall supportive policy framework.

The guidance also advocates the encouragement of well designed sustainable buildings with LPA's not to get too overly concerned with the fact that they may look a bit unusual.

There is detailed policy guidance proposed with regard to the determination of planning applications for the development of renewable/low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.  Key points are that:

1.      Applicants need to take careful steps to mitigate any possible adverse impact by way of careful siting design etc  - there is specific reference to the need to minimise noise impact.

2.      To encourage all sorts of projects including those on a small scale.

3.      Not to require applicants to demonstrate overall need for renewable and low carbon energy.

4.      To refuse planning permissions due to regional targets having been reached.  Where they have not been reached this should carry a lot of weight in favour of proposals.

5.      Avoid stifling innovation including by rejecting proposals for renewable energy outside broad areas identified in regional strategies.

6.      The Government re-emphasise their commitment to Green Belt and stress that many renewable energy projects will comprise inappropriate development impacting on the openness of the Green Belt.   This could lead to difficulties in Green Belt areas, although in demonstrating very special circumstances it would be appropriate to refer to wider environmental benefits associated with increasing production of energy from renewable sources.

This is only emerging policy guidance at the moment and the whole thing may well get caught up in the General Election process.  It is however, worth being aware of it in discussions possibly with Local Planning Authorities over the next few months.

For further advice, or if you would like a copy of the full document please contact David Holmes on 07970 547156 or david@adamsholmes.co.uk.

Date of news item upload : Tue Apr 27 2010