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Campaign calls for climate change to be at heart of planning system
28/10/09
Edited by Andy Jowett.An alliance of planning, countryside and environmental bodies headed by Friends of the Earth and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has launched a new campaign urging the government to put tackling climate change at the heart of the English planning system.
The Planning and Climate Change Coalition has drawn up proposed planning guidance that it claims would "transform" the system's ability to deliver greener commercial, industrial and residential property, as well as projects that boost energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
Under its plans, councils would have renewable energy targets and would be required to "map out" opportunities for green energy projects in their area, especially potential community-based schemes.
The coalition has also called for the establishment of a technical body to monitor local authorities' progress and the development of a programme to educate councillors and planners about climate change.
Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's executive director, said: "New guidance is desperately needed to boost green development and prevent carbon-hungry projects from being approved."
The UK government has set a target of cutting carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.
