Published Monday, 24th May 2021
Improving our environment and reducing our impact on the planet is a critical global goal. It is also an important ambition in the Council’s corporate plan and Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Planning to help tackle climate change - now and for future generations
Creating specific planning policies is one important way to help achieve environmental sustainability across the borough. To support this, the Council is now seeking views on its new Climate Change and Sustainable Construction draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which builds on policies contained in the borough’s Local Plan Core Strategy and Development Management Plan.
The draft SPD covers ways to help reduce the impact of and adapt to climate change; careful use of resources, such as materials, water and energy; and other environmental issues that can be addressed through planning. It also considers a range of measures for sustainable development, demolition and construction methods, with the flexibility to accommodate new and emerging technologies.
Although SPDs don’t set new policies, they support existing Local Plan policy and provide detailed guidance. Their advice is also a material consideration in determining planning applications. The Council is legally required to consult on a draft SPD before it is adopted and this latest consultation was approved by the Executive at its meeting on 25 March.
Key priorities and ensuring sustainable development
Cllr Richard Biggs, Executive Member for Planning Policy and Place Delivery, explains: “Our key planning priorities are to protect our environment, increase the affordability of new homes and support the local economy. Although the climate challenge is international, we can make changes on our own doorstep and develop planning policies that will benefit our local communities and improve the environment for everyone.
“When considering the borough’s target to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, it is also clear that effective planning policy plays a crucial role in this aim when granting planning permission - ensuring that new developments meet the highest standards of sustainable construction and help tackle climate change.
“We welcome everyone’s views on this important planning document – whether you are a resident, developer, member of the professional planning community, local business or any other interested party – your feedback matters. All your comments will help us to shape a more sustainable future for everybody who lives in, works in or visits our borough.”
Have your say
We encourage everyone who is interested in giving us their views on this technical planning document to use our online questionnaire if they can.
The consultation will run from 9am on Monday 24 May to 10am on Wednesday 23 June and you can view the relevant documents, supporting information and access the questionnaire on the ‘Emerging SPDs and SPGs’ page of our website.
Printed copies of the consultation documents can be viewed in person at the borough’s main six libraries. Representations on the draft SPD can also be made to the Planning Policy team in writing or by email using the contact details below.
Please contact the Planning Policy team if you have any questions about the consultation or would like a printed copy of the questionnaire.
- Email: LDF@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
- Call: 01737 276178
- Write to: Planning Policy, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey. RH2 0SH
Advice and ways to improve and protect our environment
For more general information, you can check out our Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change web pages. This dedicated section has valuable tips about sustainable living at home, at work, for your health, your business or school.
There is also plenty of advice about reducing energy consumption, the Council’s approach to sustainability and simple ways to help improve and protect our environment.
Next steps
After the consultation, we will review all feedback and prepare a statement detailing the main issues raised, how they have been addressed and any subsequent changes to the draft SPD. The Executive will then discuss this for final adoption at a future meeting.