2009 – Position Statement

Download the Coalition's Position Statement

In June 2009 the Planning and Climate Change Coalition formed to persuade the Government to put climate change at the heart of the English planning system. The cross-sector coalition of organisations – including leading planners and countryside and environmental organisations - came together to draft planning guidance which would transform the system’s ability to meet the challenge of tackling climate change.

In October 2009 the Planning and Climate Change Coalition published highly regarded Position Statement which was launched in the House of Commons. The Position Statement was written in collaboration with around 100 individuals and organisations and was based on two policy events and extensive feedback. It received cross-party support and laid the foundation for a new draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on energy and climate change (Consultation on a Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Low Carbon Future in a Changing Climate, March 2010).

The Position Statement included detailed suggestions for improving the planning process by making it fairer and ensuring that it plays its part in slashing carbon emissions and meeting the targets set out in the Climate Change Act 2008.

Proposals include:

• Setting renewable energy targets for local councils;
• A duty on local authorities to map out green energy opportunities in their area that would enable them to meet their targets - especially potential community-based schemes;
• The establishment of a technical body to monitor progress;
• Setting up an education programme on climate change for councillors and planners.

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