Stratford-on-Avon District Council adopts Climate Change Supplementary Planning Guidance

At Stratford-on-Avon District Council's 'virtual' Council meeting on 13 July, members adopted a new part to its Development Requirements Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) focusing on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.

The SPD provides additional guidance on the interpretation and implementation of a number of policies within the District Council's existing Core Strategy.

The newly adopted Part V of the SPD focuses on adaptation and mitigation measures relating to climate change and is a material consideration that will be used by the District Council to help reach decisions on whether to approve or refuse planning applications.

Councillor Daren Pemberton, Deputy Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Portfolio Holder for Place says: "While COVID-19 has been our main focus since March, climate change has not gone away and neither has our desire to address the emergency at a local level. The Planning system plays a pivotal role in our transition to nett zero emissions and adapting our built environment to the effects of climate change.

"The adoption of the SPD is an important first step in tackling the climate emergency locally by giving clear guidance to developers within our existing core strategy. We recognise that a step change will only be achieved through our forthcoming Core Strategy review which will have the climate at its heart."

The newly adopted Part V of the SPD can be viewed on the District Council's website at: www.stratford.gov.uk/devreq-spd. It is also available to inspect at the District Council's offices at Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX.

A six-week period of public consultation on the draft Part V of the SPD was held between 9 January and 21 February 2020 and the Consultation Statement on the Council's webpage summarises the comments received and the Council's responses.