SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 93
Where located within the Green Belt, renewable or low carbon energy
developments or carbon offsetting schemes that would constitute
‘inappropriate development’ will also need to demonstrate very special
circumstances in order to be approved.
Community energy
6.
The Council will support the establishment of Renewable Energy Service Companies
and community-led initiatives to reduce energy use and exploit renewable energy
sources within the Borough.
Climate Change Assessment
7.
A Climate Change Assessment shall be submitted with relevant applicants to
demonstrate how the criteria in this policy (where relevant) have been met.
Justification
306.
The NPPF is clear that planning, at both a strategic and decision-making level, should fully
support the transition to a low carbon economy; secure radical reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions and support the delivery of renewable and low carbon energy. The Council
recognises that it has a crucial role to play in mitigating against and adapting to climate
change through this plan.
307.
National climate change targets aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 37% of 1990
levels by 2020, 57% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. In the period 2005-2018, CO2 emissions
per person in the Borough have declined, but at a slower rate than the wider West Midlands
Combined Authority area. The WMCA have set an ambitious and accelerated target to
achieve net zero carbon by 2041, and this is supported by the Council. The carbon budget
for Solihull during the plan period is MtCO2. The Council will take full account of national
and local targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the generation of
energy from renewable and low carbon sources, when considering development proposals.
308.
The Council continues to implement the Home Energy Efficiency and Affordable Warmth
Strategy, and working towards the Government’s Fuel Poverty target: to ensure that as many
fuel poor homes as is reasonably practicable achieve a minimum energy standard (Energy
Performance Certificate rating) of Band ‘C’ by 2030.
309.
24% of the UK’s carbon emissions are from the transport sector. Greenhouse gas emissions
can be minimised by reducing the need to travel and ensuring that future occupiers of new
developments have a choice of low carbon travel options. The Council’s Transport Strategy
‘Solihull Connected’ states to support a low-carbon future Solihull will work in partnership
with regional partners and align with the West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan ‘Movement
for Growth’, the GBSLEP Low-carbon Transport Strategy, Birmingham Connected and
Highways England; in particular to support people making low-carbon travel choices such as
walking, cycling and public transport, the market for low-carbon vehicles and investment in
recharging infrastructure and new technologies. The plan’s spatial strategy promotes
development in the most accessible locations wherever possible; in less accessible locations
Policy P7 and P8 provide the parameters to increase accessibility and reduce dependence
on private vehicles. The Council’s Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan will provide
greater opportunities for active travel and reduce reliance on the private car.
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