Mid Devon’s planners and climate specialist are asking for feedback on a new policy statement, which will help new developments in the district meet green credentials in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and support our move towards a net zero carbon future.

The draft Planning Policy Statement follows the Council’s adoption of the Devon Climate Change Declaration and the Mid Devon Climate Strategy 2020-2024. It will support relevant policies in the adopted Mid Devon Local Plan and introduce interim measures while we are preparing ‘Plan Mid Devon’ which will be a new Local Plan for the district.

The Planning Policy Statement includes a:

• Checklist for planning applications, requesting evidence on matters such as low-carbon design, energy efficiency, temperature changes, flood risk, pollution, and biodiversity
• Toolkit demonstrating good practice for creating net zero carbon homes
• Spreadsheet for calculating the costs and benefits of different ‘low carbon’ standards for new homes, based on four different types of housing

It will apply to all planning applications for the development and use of land and buildings in Mid Devon, except those within the Dartmoor National Park or that are subject to ‘permitted development rights’ where there is no need to apply for planning permission. The Checklist can be used to help guide the preparation of planning applications submitted to the Council for determination and also help inform the decisions made on these. It will help underline that tackling climate change is an important material consideration in the planning process.

Cllr Colin Slade, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said:

“Every bit of work we do is part of our approach to building more sustainable and prosperous communities. We have a clear goal to become carbon net zero by 2030 and this ambition now forms an integral part of how we plan our future developments.”

A public consultation is now underway, and we are keen to hear your views about the Planning Policy Statement. All comments received within the consultation period, which will end on Friday 16^th December, will be carefully considered to help us finalise the Planning Policy Statement before it is adopted by the Council.

The Planning Policy Statement and further information about the consultation can be viewed on the Council’s website. Printed copies of the consultation documents will available to view at our Council Offices in Tiverton (Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane EX16 6PP) or at libraries within Mid Devon during normal opening hours during the consultation period.

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