Issue - meetings

Decision:

1.   Adopt the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) as shown in Appendix 1 of this report, and

2.   Withdraw the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document (2020).

Reason(s):

1.       Adopting the new SPD will provide detailed guidance for adopted Local Plan policy that addresses climate change and sustainability. This will help ensure clarity and consistency in decision making and help to deliver sustainable development.

2.       The new SPD replaces the 2020 SPD, which is no longer required. Keeping it in place would complicate the planning process unnecessarily.

Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.

The purpose of the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was to provide guidance for existing policies in the Local Plan: Strategy and Sites (adopted 2019) and Local Plan: Development Management Policies (adopted 2023) that related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, low and zero carbon energy and sustainable development.

The SPD did not create new policy, but, if adopted, the SPD would form a material consideration in planning decisions. Adoption of the SPD would help applicants and decision makers in the submission and determination of planning applications by providing additional clarity and ensuring better consistency.

Following the adoption of the Local Plan: Development Management Policies and changes in construction regulations, the new document was to supersede the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document that was adopted in 2020.

The new draft document had been through consultation with the Local Plan Panel and the Climate Change Board. Officers were commended and the draft document welcomed.

RESOLVED:

1.   To adopt the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) as shown in Appendix 1 of the report, and

2.   Withdraw the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document (2020).

Reason(s):

1.       Adopting the new SPD will provide detailed guidance for adopted Local Plan policy that addresses climate change and sustainability. This will help ensure clarity and consistency in decision making and help to deliver sustainable development.

2.       The new SPD replaces the 2020 SPD, which is no longer required. Keeping it in place would complicate the planning process unnecessarily.