Residents and businesses are being asked to give their views on a series of proposed changes to the Bath and North East Somerset planning framework to help address the Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency and Ecological Emergency.

In a six-week consultation, which began last week from 27th August until midnight on 8th October, people are being asked to give their feedback on the proposed Local Plan Partial Update (LPPU) and three draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Planning, said: “These proposals are designed to support the Council’s ongoing work to deliver net zero carbon by 2030. The LPPU updates parts of the Council’s Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan to address changes in circumstances, national policy and legislation since it was adopted in 2014 and the SPDs provide supporting guidance for proposed policies within the LPPU.

“As part of our commitment to giving people a bigger say we will be organising a series of online webinars which anyone can attend. I want to encourage people to take part in the consultations and let us know what they think of the proposals and how they will be affected by them.”

The LPPU addresses issues including the need to update and replenish the district’s housing supply to make sure it can meet the requirement for housing up to 2029, transport policies, including reviewing parking standards, and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

The proposed SPDs include guidance on specific measures to help tackle the climate emergency, including:

• Revised parking standards, ultra-low emissions vehicles, walking and

cycling infrastructure

design and travel plans for new development

• Guidance on energy performance requirements for HMOs

• Guidance for homeowners and occupiers on adapting their homes to reduce energy use.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel said: “We have made great strides in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies: we introduced the first charging Clean Air Zone outside London; we’ve amended key planning policies to facilitate a substantial increase in the generation of renewable energy and we’re offering homeowners an easy way to invest in solar panels through the Solar Together West of England Scheme.

“These proposed planning policies will deliver real change and play an important part in helping us to meet our net zero target, so I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultations.”

The planning team will be carrying out various engagement activities during the consultation period, presenting at Community Forum meetings across the area and hosting a series of online webinars, including one on zero carbon development and energy efficiency which will feature as part of the Council’s Climate and Biodiversity Festival.

You can find more information and sign up for all the webinars at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/webinars.

Details about the Climate and Biodiversity Festival at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/climate-and-biodiversity-festival-programme-events

To take part in the LPPU or SPD consultations visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/

current-planning-policy-consultations

Users who have difficulty in responding online can request assistance in viewing or responding to the consultations by emailing: [email protected] or calling Council Connect on: 01225 394041.

All responses to the consultation on the LPPU will be submitted alongside the plan for examination by a planning inspector, appointed by the Secretary of State.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The consultation on the draft SPDs is in the first phase. The Council will consider any issues raised and, where appropriate, revise the SPSs prior to their approval.