Climate change coalition urges Peers to amend Localism Bill

Published by Fiona Mannion for TCPA in Central Government and also in Communities, Environment, Local Government

The Planning and Climate Change Coalition is urging Peers in the House of Lords to adopt an amendment today to the Localism Bill which will ensure Local Plans take the 2008 Climate Change Act and tackling carbon emissions into consideration.  The amendment to the Localism Bill has been tabled by Baroness Smith of Basildon and Lord McKenzie ofLuton.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, TCPA Chief Planner, Dr Hugh Ellis said:

“With the radical shift in power to the local level, being delivered though the Localism Bill, councils and communities will have both the responsibility and the opportunity to deal with climate change. Planning can make a major contribution towards tackling climate change by shaping decisions for new and existing development, which reduces carbon emissions and positively builds community resilience to problems such as extreme heat or flood risk. As the Localism Bill’s passage through parliament draws to a close, we are urging Peers to ensure that climate change is given sufficient consideration in local plans.”

Friends of the Earth's Senior Campaigner, Dr Anna Watson said:

“The planning system has a crucial role to play in tackling climate change and building a greener future.  UK carbon targets must be at the heart of these planning proposals to lay the foundations for a clean and prosperous future.”

The cross-sector coalition represents over 40 organisations – including leading planners, local authorities, private developers and environmental organisations and is led by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and Friends of the Earth. Since it’s formation in 2009, the Coalition has made 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.

The coalition has also launched in November 2010, ‘Planning and Climate Change Guide: guidance and model policies for local authorities’. This guide is designed primarily for local authorities and the forthcoming Local Enterprise Partnerships who want to both tackle climate change and reap the benefits that renewable energy and effective adaptation can bring.