SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 94
310.
Reducing the impacts of climate change and improving air quality are twin objectives. The
Council’s Electric Charging Vehicle Strategy aims to increase the coverage of electric
charging points across the Borough and future-proof technological advancement. All new
development is expected to provide useable charging infrastructure directly or, where this is
proven to be impractical, contribute to the Council’s Charging Infrastructure Fund.
311.
This policy seeks to encourage the development of low carbon and renewable energy
solutions appropriate to the circumstances and scale of development. The contribution that
such proposals make towards the reduction of emissions will be given significant weight.
312.
Proposals to develop decentralised energy and heating networks in the Borough will be
encouraged and should be based on the latest available evidence, such as the Renewable
Resource Assessment (2020). Any impacts from infrastructure, including on-site low carbon
and renewable energy installations, on the surrounding natural, built and historic
environment, including ground and surface water quantity and quality, or on residents or
businesses will be considered, with significant weight to be given to the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions to be achieved. Where adverse impacts are identified, these
should be minimised, or be subject to appropriate mitigation. In locations where
decentralised energy and heating networks or off-gas networks exist, or have the greatest
potential, such as Solihull town centre, UKC Hub, and major business parks, developers will
be expected to connect to or deliver decentralised networks, unless it is demonstrated that
this is not feasible or viable.
313.
Proposals for renewable or low carbon energy generation, such as photovoltaic arrays or
windfarms, will take into account evidence provided in the forthcoming Renewable Resource
Assessment and Net Zero Action Plan. Two-thirds of the Borough is designated Green Belt,
and proposals which harm the openness and permanence of the Green Belt are not
considered ‘appropriate development’. Therefore, such proposals will need to provide Very
Special Circumstances to be considered.
314.
20% of the UK’s GHG emissions originate from energy use in the housing stock. The
Government is committed to increasing the energy efficiency of existing and new dwellings in
a way that is fair, affordable and inclusive. The energy efficiency requirement of Part L of the
Building Regulations will be uplifted in 2025 as part of the Future Homes Standard. The
Council are keen that the very latest Building Regulations are applied to qualifying
development and not kept at the time of the first planning permission being granted. This is
especially significant for large strategic allocations. Proposals for low carbon design such as
Passivhaus or accelerating Building Regulations to zero carbon will be given substantial
weight.
315.
Efficient use of natural resources contributes to reducing our carbon and ecological footprint.
Buildings and their surrounding landscape should be designed to make efficient use of
natural resources during construction, operation and maintenance. Ensuring the resilience to
the impacts of a changing climate at the build stage rather than retrofit is more cost-effective,
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