Following a unanimous vote by members yesterday (Monday, 20 June 2022), the council’s new climate change supplementary planning document (SPD) is now available for all Cheltenham residents, developers, and homeowners.
The SPD enables planning policy to drive the positive change that the council wants to see from large and small developers around the borough. Its purpose is to enable sustainable design and construction and help reduce the negative environmental impacts of the property development industry.
The SPD incorporates guidance on different aspects of sustainable design and construction including energy and carbon, water efficiency, flood prevention, pollution, sustainable transport, biodiversity and waste reduction. It also includes a checklist to help applicants and those thinking about new development and retrofit to produce a sustainability statement to demonstrate how they are responding to climate change and related issues.
The publication follows a 4-week consultation process which gave residents, developers, businesses and community groups the opportunity to have their say on the document. The comments from this process have ensured that the council produces the most valuable document possible.
Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: “The planning system isn’t the most exciting thing to talk about, but it’s a vital part of our response to climate change and broader issues like public health and fuel poverty.
“This SPD sets out our ambitions for future developments in Cheltenham – promoting development that aligns with our ambition for a net zero borough and creating places where people and nature can thrive.
“Cheltenham Borough Council’s first net zero homes are already through the planning system. We’re leading the way in showcasing what is possible for other developers. Carrying on as we are is not an option – and this document serves as the foundation for enforcing higher climate standards.”