Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the existing policies of the Local Plan which require a reduction in carbon emissions be noted;

(2)          the carbon emissions reduction target in S7 should be read to reflect the new national carbon reduction target which is to achievea reduction in carbon emissions of at least 100% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels (equivalent to a 48% reduction between 2017 and 2033);

(3)          the existing Teignbridge Local Plan low carbon policies be given an appropriate weight in planning decisions which reflects the council’s climate emergency declaration and the new statutory national carbon reduction target;  and

(4)          a suite of policies be prepared through an update of the Local Plan to meet Climate Change challenges and be developed in consultation with local experts and interest groups, such as Action on Climate in Teignbridge.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report to make clear what the current provisions were within the local plan for addressing the climate change challenge and to agree that these were given a weight which reflected fully the Council’s declaration of a climate emergency and the new national statutory carbon reduction targets.

The Senior Planning Officer highlighted the three main policies; Carbon Emission Targets – S7; Sustainable Transport - S9; and Carbon Reduction Plans - EN3 that were directly relevant to meeting the climate change challenge. He advised that the implementation of the policies, particularly for Carbon Reduction Plans would require specialist skills which were not currently available in the planning team. Until the appointment of a Climate Change Officer, there would be a requirement for buy-in of expert consultancy support.

A non- Executive Member commented on the need to balance other planning gains when it came to carbon off setting.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency and Housing supported the development of policies to address the climate change emergency. She welcomed the support and engagement from Teignbridge Action Climate Group (ACT).

The Leader commented that there would be engagement with the voluntary sector and the wider community to support the need for the district to address the climate emergency.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency and Housing.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the existing policies of the Local Plan which require a reduction in carbon emissions be noted;

(2)          the carbon emissions reduction target in S7 should be read to reflect the new national carbon reduction target which is to achievea reduction in carbon emissions of at least 100% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels (equivalent to a 48% reduction between 2017 and 2033);

(3)          the existing Teignbridge Local Plan low carbon policies be given an appropriate weight in planning decisions which reflects the council’s climate emergency declaration and the new statutory national carbon reduction target;  and

(4)          a suite of policies be prepared through an update of the Local Plan to meet Climate Change challenges and be developed in consultation with local experts and interest groups, such as Action on Climate in Teignbridge.