Planning and Policy-making
Print this pageThe development plan for an area comprises the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and the Local Development Framework (LDF). Climate change objectives and targets and policies for renewable and low carbon energy should be set out in both. The following table provides an overview of the documents in a LDF.
www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/ldf/ldfguide.html
Guidance on integrating renewable and low carbon energy policy and targets in the Local Development Framework is available from the PPS1 Practice Guide . The following table summarises what each document could contain.
| LDF document | Suggested content |
|---|---|
|
Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) |
Clear statement of renewable and low carbon energy policy and targets. This must be in the Core Strategy or other Development Plan Document (DPD) to ensure they are fully consulted on and tested, including examination by an independent Inspector. |
|
Adopted Proposals Map (DPD) |
Geographical explanation of policies and targets, showing any local variations if applicable. |
|
Area Action Plans and Site Specific Allocations (DPD) |
Explanation of policies and targets specific to a given local area, for example where more ambitious targets are set due to extent of future development proposed or availability of specific local energy resources. Site Specific Allocations may co-locate uses with compatible energy demands, eg locating residential development near sources of waste heat. They can also identify sites suitable for renewable and low-carbon energy sources, and supporting infrastructure. |
|
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) |
Additional guidance on interpreting policy and targets, eg advice on suitable technologies, calculation methods. |
|
Local Development Orders (LDO) and Simplified Planning Zones (SPZ) |
These can set locally-specific permitted development rights, eg for installing renewable and low carbon technologies. They can also apply to larger areas, eg community infrastructure. |
|
Stand-alone energy DPD |
As an alternative approach, a stand-alone energy DPD may be developed which brings together the above policies, targets and guidance in one place. |
Policies and targets that go beyond the scope of spatial planning and development control may also be set out in other documents including Sustainable Community Strategies.
The process for producing the Local Development Framework in described in PPS12: Local Spatial Planning.
This overall process will govern the work done to develop the policies, targets and guidance on renewable and low carbon energy which sit within the Local Development Framework, including the need for consultation. Specific work will be needed to inform renewable and low carbon energy policies and targets, in line with the PPS1 Supplement on Climate Change, as summarised in the figure below.
Source: PPS1 Climate Change Supplement Practice Guide (www.pas.gov.uk/pas/core/page.do?pageId=94401).
There may be sound renewable and low carbon energy policies and targets that have already been developed, as part of Core Strategies or other Development Plan Documents. Ideally, these will have been developed following the general principles set out in the PPS1 Supplement on Climate Change and the Community Energy guide.
Policies that have been developed without a sufficient evidence base may reflect the targets set in RSS Policy ENV5, but will be limited in their ability to go beyond this and set more ambitious targets for specific locations or types of development where the opportunities exist.
The PPS1 Supplement on Climate Change provides more guidance on what local authorities are required to do. It states that energy and carbon policies and targets for new development that exceed, or come into effect faster than the proposed changes in national Building Regulations, should only be set by local authorities where they are supported by an appropriate and robust evidence base.