WEDNESDAY 26 JULY 2006
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW TCPA SURVEY REVEALS SURGE IN LOCAL
RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICIES
A new survey by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has revealed an impressive surge in on-site renewable energy policies being developed by pioneering local authorities.
Key findings in the TCPA survey show that more than 171 local authorities are working up policies to require developers to generate clean, safe energy on-site in new developments.
The TCPA welcomed the initiatives, but stressed that the next challenge is to ensure developers, elected members and development control officers receive the support and training necessary to implement and enforce the new policies.
TCPA Director Gideon Amos said:
“The welcome results from this survey show a clear shift in local authority policy making towards a confident approach to tackling climate change.
“Planning authorities are starting to strike a better deal for consumers, show leadership in creating new markets, and take on global warming through concerted action in their communities.
“Pioneering authorities have shown the way forward. Now we must ensure the necessary support and guidance is available to implement these policies, and help the rest to catch up with the best.”
So far 80 councils have developed target-led policies in line with the ‘Merton Rule’, which was pioneered by the London Borough of Merton. The council pioneered the approach requiring 10 per cent of energy demand in new developments over a certain size to be met through on-site renewable sources. It is expected that 100 such target-setting councils could create an annual market for micro-renewable technologies worth around £650 million (as compared with the current market of £30 million).
The TCPA hopes the results will inspire other councils across the country to set more ambitious targets for on-site renewable energy in new developments, and to develop comprehensive energy and climate change strategies. Local authorities reported that setting ambitious targets has not deterred developers, but that the approach is playing an important role in combating climate change and helping consumers save money on their energy bills.
Respondents struggling to implement the new approach called for Government to address key barriers including the lack of resources (financial and staff) and the need for more training.
Around 80 per cent of councils intended to produce supporting guidance, and 76 authorities stated they would have welcomed a more prescriptive government policy. Recently the Government have taken some important steps in the right direction. The TCPA welcomed Planning Minister Yvette Cooper’s recent Parliamentary Statement, which made clear that the Government ‘expects’ all planning authorities to implement Merton Rule policies.
In addition the TCPA highlighted the importance of renewable energy policies in terms of the forthcoming draft Planning Policy Statement on Climate Change, as well as the proposed Code for Sustainable Homes.
TCPA Director Gideon Amos added:
“Renewable energy policies that reduce carbon emissions and secure a safe, clean source of energy must be an intrinsic part of our strategies to tackle climate change.
“Bringing these policies into the mainstream will be fundamental to the success, or otherwise, of the forthcoming PPS for Climate Change as well as the new Code for Sustainable Homes.”
The TCPA response to the draft Code for Sustainable Homes is available at http://www.tcpa.org.uk/consultation.htm
Notes to Editors
1. The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) is an independent charity working to improve the art and science of town and country planning. The TCPA puts social justice and the environment at the heart of policy debate and inspires government, industry and campaigners to take a fresh perspective on major issues, including planning policy, housing, regeneration and climate change. Join the TCPA at www.tcpa.org.uk
2. Our objectives are to:
· Secure a decent, well designed home for everyone, in a human-scale environment combining the best features of town and country
· Empower people and communities to influence decisions that affect them
· Improve the planning system in accordance with the principles of sustainable development
3. Full details of the survey can be found at http://www.tcpa.org.uk/climate_change.htm
4. The ‘Merton Rule’ is so-called because it was first developed by the London Borough of Merton in its Unitary Development Plan (2003). The policy stipulates that ‘the council will encourage the energy efficient design of buildings and their lay-out and orientation on site. All new non-residential development above a threshold of 1,000 sqm will be expected to incorporate renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10 % of predicted energy requirements. See http://themertonrule.org/ for more information.
5. MEDIA ENQUIRIES Kirsten Gogan 020 7930 8903 / 07952 545 355 kirsten@tcpa.org.uk