Your views on plans for climate change measures in all new development

Features such as solar panels, ground or air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging facilities will be fitted as standard on all new homes and commercial buildings under proposals being put forward in the draft Plymouth and South West Devon Climate Emergency Planning Policy and Guidance.

Other measures will see more habitat and green space designed into developments, which increases biodiversity and brings health and wellbeing benefits to residents. These measures will also go some way to mitigate against rising global temperatures.

We’ve launched a consultation to get the views of residents, campaigners and developers across the area about the proposals, which if approved, could come into effect as early as June.

The proposals would apply to all new planning applications for all new buildings, including some extensions across the Joint Local Plan area – an area covering 2,126 square kilometres, with a population of 401,567.

Since 2014, across the area, around 10,000 new homes have been built and around 14,700 have planning consent with 1,474 currently under construction.  The new measures, if they get the green light, would apply to new planning applications only.

Most of these measures will soon be a requirement under the Government’s new building regulations, and will have to be included in new development.  This means the costs will soon be non-negotiable and all three councils are keen to ensure that affordable homes in particular have these features fitted as standard. 

Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon already work closely together through the Joint Local Plan and councillors across each of the local authorities have signed up to this new policy proposal.

The climate emergency planning policy and guidance consultation will run for seven weeks from midday on Thursday 3 March 2022 until Thursday 21 April 2022.

Get involved in the climate conversation and visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/climate-planning by 21 April 2022 to let us have your views.