The urgency of climate resilience and the pursuit of net zero targets in the UK’s spatial planning framework is a matter of national importance. This is underscored in the recent report, “Spatial Planning for Climate Resilience and Net Zero,” written by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), which was produced for the Climate Change Committee of the UK Parliament. We had the pleasure of having Celia Davis (TCPA) present the findings which offer a sobering assessment of the current state and future trajectory of planning policies in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The State of Spatial Planning in England
England’s planning system, distinct from its UK counterparts due to its lack of a national spatial plan, operates under a complex policy environment where local authorities wield planning powers through Local Plans. These documents are crucial in shaping the development and growth strategy of local areas, including housing, transport, and infrastructure. However, the report reveals a disconcerting gap: only 4% of Local Plans include policies for new zero-carbon development, a figure that is alarmingly low considering the UK’s commitment to a net zero carbon economy by 2050.
The Climate Change Committee’s Role
The Climate Change Committee, established under the Climate Change Act of 2008, serves as an independent advisor to the government, assessing risks, and providing annual reports on adaptation and mitigation. Despite their efforts, the government’s current policies are falling short of the necessary targets, with recent critiques highlighting a lack of progress across various sectors.
Discrepancies in Local Authority Action
The report underscores the inconsistency in local authorities’ approaches to climate change, influenced by the varying degrees of emphasis placed on climate policy within their planning powers. While some authorities have declared climate emergencies and set ambitious local targets, the absence of a mandate to assess the emissions impact of development proposals leaves a significant blind spot in policy compliance and effectiveness.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
The NPPF’s guidance on flood risk stands out as a rare example of comprehensive policy influence at the local level. However, the report criticizes the NPPF for its outdated advice and lack of explicit emission reduction targets, which results in conflicting policy drivers and a failure to prioritize climate change as a critical policy consideration.
Comparative Insights from Devolved Administrations
The report draws valuable comparisons with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, noting Scotland’s forward-thinking National Planning Framework, which prioritizes climate change across various policy areas. In contrast, England’s absence of a national spatial plan is seen as a hindrance to cohesive, strategic planning.
Planning as a Tool for Climate Resilience
The seminar highlighted the potential of planning as a tool for fostering climate-resilient communities, rather than viewing it merely as a regulatory hurdle. The report advocates for a cultural shift in perception, emphasizing planning’s role in achieving broader climate objectives.
Recommendations for Policy Reform
The report’s recommendations are framed around aligning the Planning Act with the Climate Change Act, updating the NPPF to reflect current climate priorities, and providing clear guidance on climate adaptation measures. It also suggests the introduction of carbon budgeting for local plans to ensure development proposals are aligned with emission reduction trajectories.
Concluding Thoughts
The findings from the TCPA report present a stark reality: the planning system in England is at a crossroads, with the potential to either hinder or significantly advance the nation’s climate goals. The report calls for systemic changes to embed climate resilience into the heart of spatial planning. It is a call to action for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to harness the transformative power of planning in the fight against climate change.
In conclusion, the TCPA’s research offers a critical roadmap for integrating climate objectives into spatial planning. It is imperative for local authorities, supported by national policy, to recalibrate their strategies and embrace planning as a proactive force for sustainable development and climate resilience. The time for incremental change has passed; what is required now is a bold reimagining of planning as a cornerstone of the UK’s climate response.
