Planning for a low carbon future28 July 2009
Government has agreed that councils will have new planning rules to tackle climate change, thanks to campaigning by Friends of the Earth.
Planning for climate change
At the moment climate change is not a priority consideration for planning decisions.
But by getting our councils to take action at local level we can make a difference about the planning decisions happening where we live.
We need to use the planning system to ensure that councils approve more green energy projects, like wind farms.
New planning rules for climate change
Friends of the Earth has been leading a coalition of more than 50 other organisations asking for new planning rules.
Thanks to our campaigning, the Government has committed to writing a new Planning Policy Statement about:
- Renewable energy
- Climate change.
A Planning Policy Statement (PPS) states Government policy on the different issues surrounding planning.
It is used by councils and regional government bodies when drawing up planning documents and to make decisions on planning applications.
Did you know?
To meet our UK targets for renewable energy production, we need to deliver 5000 on shore wind turbines by 2020
Department of Energy and Climate Change
The new policy must deliver on climate change targets and put communities at the heart of the planning system. It must:
- Prioritise climate change in council considerations
- Set green energy targets for council areas
- Support community renewable energy projects
- Have social justice at the heart of decisions
Plan for the future
With this new planning policy we could meet our energy targets.
Help us get your local council planning for a low carbon future by taking part in our Press for Change action.
Press for Change >
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