Archived press release

The planning system must help to combat climate change

27 February 2007

Northern Ireland's planning system must be 'climate proofed' if the country is to play its part in combating global warming, Friends of the Earth and the Town and Country Planning Association said today. The call came as the organisations met with planners and other key stakeholders to discuss a Planning Policy Statement (PPS) [1] on climate change.

Friends of the Earth Planning Campaigner Dr Hugh Ellis said:

"Climate change is no longer an environmental issue; it is a global imperative with consequences for the economy and social cohesion. Indeed, it is nothing less than a threat to civilisation. We need to make lifestyle changes now, and on a huge scale, which means we all have a part to play. Tough new planning rules are needed to reduce the impact that regional and local developments have on our climate. Developers need a strong steer from Government to give them the confidence to build the types of homes, schools and offices we need if we're to achieve a low-carbon future."

Rob Shaw, Director of Policy with the Town and Country Planning Association said:

"Planners can make a hugely positive contribution to the prize of a zero-carbon future. How buildings are designed, where they are sited and their proximity to public transport links can all help to tackle climate change. Good design and siting can also help us adapt to harmful impacts such as flooding, drought and heat waves."

On 13 December 2006 following a similar campaign Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced a new Planning Policy Statement on climate change for England. Key to this success was the drafting by the Town and Country Planning Association and Friends of the Earth of a mock PPS on climate change. The two organisations are confident that this success can be repeated in Northern Ireland.

Notes

[1] Planning Policy Statements (PPS) set out Government's policies on different aspects of land use planning - for example on rural development, out-of-town shopping and urban open spaces.

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust