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Updated sustainability guidelines approved

Building works in progress

Building works in progress
We've approved this new planning guidance about:

  • climate change
  • sustainable design and construction
  • low carbon energy

This updated guidance will help applicants when they submit planning applications. It applies to all types of new development.

We have declared a climate emergency. Our Local Plan contains several policies that ensure new developments:

  • reduce their carbon emissions
  • consider other environmental impacts

New Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) approved

Our Executive approved this document on Thursday, 3 October 2024. It's called the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy SPD.

What the SPD contains

It contains guidelines that update and replace the previous SPD adopted in 2020. This ensures that the guidance remains up to date following:

  • the adoption of the Local Plan development management policies
  • changes to building regulations
  • evolving development practice

Guidance included in the SPD

  • sustainable and low carbon design and construction practice
  • adaptation for a changing climate
  • reducing waste and conserving resources
  • renewable and low carbon energy and storage developments

Lead Councillor for Planning, Cllr Fiona White said:

"This guidance will play a vital role in considering future planning applications. It will ensure new developments are more climate-friendly and will consider their environmental impact.

"This reinforces one of our key values in our Corporate Strategy; to create a more sustainable borough that values environmental responsibility and supports responsible development."

Read more about the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy SPD.

Published on 28 October