PLANNING: POLICY
Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP) 6
21 SPP6, Renewable Energy, sets the target that:
" all future applications proposing development with a total cumulative floorspace of 500 square metres or more should incorporate on-site zero and low carbon equipment contributing at least an extra 15% reduction in CO2 emissions beyond the 2007 building regulations carbon dioxide emissions standard."
22 It continues that "the development plan process should be used to consider whether local circumstances justify going beyond 15%; below the 500 square metres threshold; and whether higher standards can be secured for particular developments, including the potential for decentralised energy supply systems based on renewable and low-carbon energy."
23 Paragraph 37 of SPP6 states that "applications should only be exempt from targets where developers are able to demonstrate that technical constraints exist. In such circumstances, policies should ensure that developers meeting targets are not disadvantaged by securing from the applicant, by agreement, equivalent carbon savings elsewhere in the area."
24 The SPP also states that "development plans should set out local policies on the provision of on-site low carbon and renewable sources of energy in new development. Policies should ensure that, in all instances, opportunities for incorporating these technologies are fully explored by developers as part of the planning application process."
Development Plans & Supplementary Planning Guidance
25 Where opportunities exist, planning authorities should update local policies ahead of the transitional arrangements for development planning being bought forward under powers in the 2006 Planning Act or produce supplementary planning guidance ( SPG) to provide an interim basis for efficient and consistent decision making. Planning authorities should incorporate any non-statutory policies into their plans in due course.
26 The planning authority should identify its preferred procedures for compliance with policy or SPG issued on this topic. It is anticipated that SPG will be subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment ( SEA).
27 Development plan policy should address any local requirements as highlighted in the final sentence of paragraph 36 of SPP6, which is repeated at paragraph 22 above. Variations to the policy in SPP6 should be progressed through the development plan system, allowing for independent consideration, rather than through SPG.