Press for a low-carbon future in the South-West

The South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) is the new planning blueprint for the whole region.

All local councils will have to conform with the RSS when planning their local area.

The original draft tried to reconcile huge levels of growth with moving towards a low carbon economy.

But now, the Government proposes to:

Increase housing numbers
Water down environmental standards
which would have reduced carbon emissions from new houses.
Allow green fields to be developed
While brownfield sites in urban areas are still unused.
Destroy green belt land
To promote the expansion of regional airports.

The Government also intends to force councils to ratchet up housing numbers. In future, they would never be allowed to reduce provision, only increase it.

Please see Ducking the carbon challenge for more information.

Take action now by emailing Regional Minister Ben Bradshaw to ask for a better, greener future for the South West.

Email Ben Bradshaw MP

Dear Minister,

I am concerned that at the same time as increasing housing numbers, the government is proposing to lower eco-standards for new homes in the South West. The independent Sustainability Appraisal of the Regional Spatial Strategy states "In several key areas, the Proposed Changes significantly weaken policies [for sustainability]". I wish to see: - Reinstatement of the original Development Policy G, requiring all new homes to meet Carbon neutral standard from 2012. - Restoration of Policy RE5 requiring at least 10% of energy to come from onsite renewable sources on new buildings. I believe these changes are essential if the South West region is to have any chance of meeting its fair share of carbon reduction targets for a safer future world. Please ensure my views are passed on to the Department for Communities and Local Government as part of the consultation into proposed changes to the draft Regional Spatial Strategy.

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Last modified: Oct 2008

Press for a low-carbon future in the South-West

Email Ben Bradshaw MP

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