PRESS RELEASE

 

Friday 9th March 2007

 

 

PLANNING SET TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE

 

The policy framework needed to deliver low-carbon communities is now in place and inaction is no longer an option, the Town and Country Planning Association said today submitting its response to the draft supplement to PPS1 on climate change.

 

The consultation on the package of measures designed to address climate change through planning and building regulations, announced by Communities and Local Government in December, closed yesterday.

 

TCPA Director (Policy & Projects), Robert Shaw, said:

 

“There is no doubt that the draft Policy Statement gives communities tremendous scope to put climate change at the heart of planning policy and decision-making.

 

“For many in planning, this agenda may seem daunting. Effective guidance and on-going support will help them rise to the challenge and create the communities of the future”.

 

The TCPA is particularly supportive of the dual policy approach of tackling climate change mitigation (reducing emissions) at the same time as adaptation (adapting to the impacts), and the framework for integrating sustainable energy into new development.

 

Robert Shaw said:

“Generating and supplying energy in a sustainable way, close to the people who use it, is a fundamental part of reducing carbon emissions. But this is not the whole story. Adapting to climate change is now equally important.

 

“Urban areas are becoming hotter, and the effects will be felt most at higher densities. Temperatures of 40oC plus could be a regular occurrence in some parts of our cities in the coming decades.

 

“Research shows that green spaces and tree cover have a natural cooling effect. Increasing tree cover by just 10% could keep temperatures at today’s levels until at least mid-century. Therefore, urban greening will need to become an integral part of new and existing communities if they are to remain places people want to live”.

 

The TCPA has also welcomed Planning Minister Yvette Cooper’s announcement today of £2m funding to develop plans for a series of eco-towns of between 5,000 and 10, 000 homes, as well as the appointment of the TCPA’s Chair Professor David Lock. He has been asked to report to Government on further developing the criteria for eco-towns.

 

The response can be downloaded at: www.tcpa.org.uk

 

Notes to Editors

 

  1. The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) is an independent campaigning charity calling for more integrated planning based on the principles of accessibility, sustainability, diversity, and community cohesion. The TCPA puts social justice and the environment at the heart of the debate about planning policy, housing and energy supply. We inspire government, industry and campaigners to take a fresh perspective on major issues including climate change and regeneration.
  2. On 13th December the Government launched a set of measures relating to climate change and the built environment:

§         Draft ‘planning and climate change Planning Policy Statement: supplement to PPS1 – consultation’

§         ‘Code for sustainable homes: a step-change in sustainable building practice’

§         Building a greener future: towards zero carbon development – consultation’

§         Other measures, including ‘Mandating Water Efficiency in New Buildings’ – consultation

 

 

Media contact:

Robert Shaw, Director (Policy & Projects): 0207930 8903 or mobile 07917645128.