Agenda Item 16

Report PC51/15

Report to Planning Committee Date 14 May 2015 By Director of Planning Title of Report Preferred Options Local Plan: Climate Change and Sustainable Construction Purpose of Report To comment on the draft Climate Change and Sustainable Construction Policy

Recommendation: The Committee is recommended to: 1) Endorse the direction of the draft policy as detailed in Appendix 1 of this report for inclusion in the draft Local Plan Preferred Options document, subject to any comments made by the Planning Committee being addressed. 2) Note that the draft Local Plan Preferred Options document will be reported to Planning Committee for consideration prior to publication for public consultation, and 3) Note that the Local Plan Preferred Options document will be subject to final approval by the National Park Authority.

1. Introduction and Summary 1.1 This report introduces a draft policy on climate change and sustainable construction requirements, which would be used to assess all types and scales of development (Appendix 1). It recommends the wording of the draft policy and its supporting text are endorsed for inclusion in the emerging Preferred Options Local Plan, subject to any comments made by the Planning Committee being addressed. This endorsement would also acknowledge the policy and its supporting text may need minor amendments prior to being incorporated into the whole document, in order to fit within other draft policies proposed in the Preferred Options Local Plan. Recommendations (2) and (3) also note that the complete draft Local Plan Preferred Options document will be reported to Planning Committee for consideration prior to final approval by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) for consultation in 2015. 1.2 The policy and its explanatory text were reviewed by the Local Plan Members Working Group on 16 April 2015. Subsequently, these have been revised following the comments received. 1.3 A background to the Local Plan process and a summary of the draft policy are provided below.

2. Background 2.1 In February 2014 the SDNPA approved for consultation the South Downs National Park Local Plan Options Consultation Document, which was published in late February. 2.2 In addition to this draft policy (Appendix 1), other draft policies plus relevant supporting text have been reported to the Planning Committee ahead of being included in the draft Local Plan. In June 2015, the draft Preferred Options Local Plan in its entirety will be presented to the Planning Committee for consideration and recommendation to the SDNPA to approve the document for consultation. 119 2.3 Following the adoption of the Local Plan, it will be the first time that the National Park has been planned for as a single entity. It will also supersede all inherited Local Plans and Joint Core Strategies which cover the National Park. The Local Plan will be the key to delivering sustainable development in the National Park. 2.4 The Local Plan will form part of the ‘Development Plan’ alongside adopted Neighbourhood Plans, which are being developed by local communities in many settlements across the National Park. The Minerals and Waste Plans will also be part of the Development Plan. The new Local Plan must be in conformity with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2012) and the DEFRA Vision and Circular for National Parks (2010).

3. The Proposed Draft Policy and Supporting Text 3.1 The draft policy and explanatory text are set out in full at Appendix 1. They follow the general structure being proposed for the Preferred Options Local Plan. They have been developed through reviewing the approaches of other authorities, the key documents cited in the evidence section of Appendix 1, national policy and input from the Local Plan Members Working Group. 3.2 The Local Plan proposes an Ecosystems Services approach which, as a golden thread throughout the whole document and policies, proposes an innovative and ambitious approach to a host of environmental considerations. This inherently has an approach for development to reduce, adapt, and mitigate climate change through more resilient and sustainable forms of development. This policy should not be seen as the SDNPA’s central policy to climate change and sustainable construction and it needs to be read in conjunction with other relevant policies in the emerging draft Preferred Options Local Plan. 3.3 The supporting text to the policy outlines the above approach and why it is important to address climate change and the potential implications for the National Park. It expands upon what could be done to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including development being more resilient to anticipated changes. 3.4 The policy has been worded in line with the NPPF. As outlined in the paragraph 9 of appendix 1, it advises that Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) should ‘adopt proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change’ (paragraph 94); support the move to a low carbon future when setting any local requirements for a building’s sustainability to do so in a way which is consistent with the government’s zero carbon buildings policy and adopt nationally described standards. Paragraph 97 outlines support for renewable and low carbon forms of energy. 3.5 Changes announced on 25th March 2015 in a ministerial statement from the Department for Communities and Local government have however resulted in significant changes in primarily the energy and water efficiency standards for new dwellings. This has been justified in terms of addressing the multiplicity of standards which exist and simplifying them into the main Building Regulations. In addition, there have been changes to what higher standards above Building Regulations local planning authorities can require through their Development Plans. It also outlines that this statements should be taken into account when applying the NPPF. 3.6 The Government has withdrawn the Code for Sustainable Homes, which has been consistently relied upon by local planning authorities in their local plans and in the determination of planning applications. Building Regulations have instead been updated with higher requirements. These updates on energy and water efficiency are approximately equivalent to an overall level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. New optional technical standards for housing only relating to water, access and internal space standards have also been introduced in Building Regulations which LPAs can include in their Local Plans, provided they can evidence there is a need and can be supported by a viability assessment. 3.7 The optional standards have higher requirements than the mandatory Building Regulations. For example, there are more stringent requirements on a dwelling’s water demands from 125 litres per day to 110 litres per day. Any higher standards on energy efficiency haven’t been included in these optional standards. Developers have flexibility within the Building Regulations in how they address energy efficiency. This flexibility and the limitations of the

120 new Housing Technical Standards could remove the ability of the SDNPA to require specific energy efficiency requirements in this Local Plan policy, as authorities cannot insist or be prescriptive about the energy saving measures employed on sites. 3.8 The Government intends to introduce the Zero Carbon Homes Policy in 2016 to bring sustainability criteria in construction more into the mainstream. Its standards will be a national minimum for developers to achieve. This policy will, however, only apply to schemes of 10 dwellings or more. For larger schemes, this policy can be met through ‘allowable solutions’ to enhance the sustainability of developments. These solutions could still be on site but the policy allows for providing off site contributions through, for example, contributing to an authority’ central carbon fund for any carbon offsetting initiatives. These allowable solutions would increase the sustainability of schemes to approximately the equivalent of level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. 3.9 In terms of plan making, the SDNPA aims to be an exemplar of sustainable development. However, the recent ministerial statement outlines that LPAs should not set in their emerging plans any additional local technical standards (i.e those beyond the new national housing technical standards) or requirements relating to construction, internal layout or performance of new dwellings. As above, the optional new Housing Technical Standards should only be required if they address clearly evidenced need and have an acceptable impact on the viability of schemes. Furthermore, it outlines that from October 2015 any existing Local and Neighbourhood Plans that reference other standards should not be relied upon in decision making. The draft policy has therefore been worded to take into account the changes outlined in this report. 3.10 The proposed policy has been written in line with the NPPF, the Ministerial Statement and updated National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG).

4. Resources 4.1 The Local Plan is one of the top corporate priorities for the SDNPA with adoption timetabled for 2017. Officers within the planning policy team are leading the work on the development of the Local Plan and utilising expertise elsewhere within the Authority.

5. Risk management 5.1 Risk: That the draft policies set out in the Preferred Options are not found ‘sound’ at the examination of the Local Plan. Mitigation: The policy is consistent with the NPPF, legislation and based on robust evidence. 5.2 Risk: The policy is too onerous or too weak in light of the NPPF and legislation. Mitigation: The policy would be applied proportionately having regard to context, landscape and Special Qualities. The policy is used in conjunction with other relevant Local Plan policies when considering development proposals.

6. Crime and Disorder Implication 6.1 It is considered that the proposal does not raise any crime and disorder implications.

7. Human Rights Implications 7.1 This draft policy has been considered in light of statute and case law and any interference with an individual’s human rights is considered to be proportionate to the aims sought to be realised.

8. Equality Act 2010 8.1 Due regard has been taken of the South Downs National Park Authority’s equality duty as contained within the Equality Act 2010.

121 9. External Consultees 9.1 None at this stage. The Preferred Options Local Plan will be published for extensive consultation in 2015.

TIM SLANEY Director of Planning

Contact Officer: Richard Ferguson, Planning Policy Officer Tel: 01730 819268 Email: [email protected] Appendices 1: Draft Climate Change and Sustainable Construction Policy. SDNPA Consultees Chief Executive, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Director of Operations, Director of Corporate Services, Chief Finance Officer, Monitoring Officer, and Legal Services.

Background South Downs National Park Local Plan Options Consultation Document; Documents SDNPA Planning Committee, 23 January 2014; PC 9/14 http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/407789/Agenda- Item-4.pdf South Downs National Park Local Plan Options Consultation Document; SDNPA, 4 February 2014; Report 2/14 http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/410760/Agenda- Item-7.pdf South Downs National Park Local Plan Responses to Options Consultation Document and Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule, 26 June 2014, Report 13/14 http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/458371/Agenda- Item-11.pdf

122 Agenda Item 16 Report PC51/15 Appendix 1 Climate Change and Sustainable Construction Partnership Management Plan Outcomes and Policies Outcome 1: The landscape character of the National Park, its special qualities and local distinctiveness have been conserved and enhance by effectively managing the land and the negative impacts of development and cumulative change. Outcome 2: There is increased capacity within the landscape for its natural resources, habitats and species to adapt to the impacts of climate change and other pressures. Outcome 8: More responsibility and action is taken by visitors, residents and businesses to conserve and enhance the special qualities and use resources more wisely. Policy 1: Conserve and enhance the natural beauty and special qualities of the landscape and its setting, in ways that allow it to continue to evolve and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change and other pressures. Policy 25: Actively promote water efficiency measures and more sustainable patterns of domestic, industrial, farming and leisure water use, to reduce overall water use. Policy 50: Housing and other development in the National Park should be closely matched to the social and economic need of local people and should be of high design and energy efficiency standards, to support balanced communities so people can live and work in the area. Policy 56: Support appropriate renewable energy schemes, sustainable resource management and energy efficiency in communities and businesses in the National Park, with the aim of meeting Government climate change targets.

Introduction 1. Mitigating and adapting to climate change is an international and national priority. In response to anticipated long term changes in our planet’s average temperatures, weather and seasonal patterns and sea level rises the UK has committed to reducing emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. Currently, the built environment nationally is responsible for approximately 50% of carbon dioxide emissions including waste from demolition and construction. Also, over 50% of water consumption is attributable to households. Our use of resources is not sustainable and the design and construction of new development with improved environmental performance is a critical part of delivering sustainable development. Even without climate change, there is still an imperative to promote more environmentally friendly development which minimises the use of finite resources. 2. National Parks cover approximately 10% of the UK and climate change is already affecting our nationally important areas. It threatens our landscape, habitats and species, the rural economy and could cause increased flooding and coastal erosion. National Government recognises that national parks have a role in tackling climate change and that they must place it as central to their objectives. The South East is anticipated to experience hotter, drier summers and warmer and wetter winters. The SDNPA is committed to making a valuable contribution to address climate change through managing development and other initiatives to conserve and enhance the National Park through the Partnership Management Plan, driven by National Park Purposes. 3. Over time our National Park’s special qualities may change in response to climate change and the needs to conserve and enhance those which have shaped its past may be different to those which shape its future. Nevertheless, development should minimise the National Park’s vulnerability to climate change through reducing and mitigating the factors which are causing it and become more resilient by being able to adapt to its effects. The Ecosystems Services approach in this Local Plan involves many aspects for addressing climate change (see Policy SD3). It is an innovative central theme through the Local Plan whereby sustainable construction measures are part of addressing climate change. This approach will enable development will become more sustainable and resilient to climate change

123 Agenda Item 16 Report PC51/15 Appendix 1 4. Actions to reduce and mitigate the emissions which contribute to climate change are listed below. Adapting to climate change is also important and involves minimising negative impacts of climate change and making development more resilient. Aspects of both of these are summarised in the table below:

Reducing and mitigating for climate Adapting to climate change change  Retrofitting buildings for energy  Bigger, better connected and managed efficiency. habitats to conserve and enhance  Reducing carbon emissions from biodiversity. transport.  Reducing water and energy demands.  Increasing the appropriate use of  Flood resilient development and renewable energy. locating development outside of  Use responsibly and, where possible, functioning floodplains. locally sourced materials and re-use  Sustainable drainage systems materials wherever possible.  Locating development where it is not threatened by coastal erosion.  Appropriate new landscaping in new development.

The existing building stock also makes a large contribution to carbon emissions. Where possible, retaining and re-using quality buildings and retrofitting them with new technologies is encouraged. However, where demolition is necessary, valuable materials should be saved and re-used. This can also contribute to local identity and cultural heritage as outlined in Policy SD8. National Policy Context 5. The National Parks Vision and Circular (2010) outlines that whilst delivering the two statutory purposes, national parks must place climate change as central to their objectives. It also outlines that they have a role of being exemplars of sustainability in enabling the environment to adapt to predicted changes and being resilient to them, particularly in supporting ecosystems services, and in renewable energy. In respect of the latter, the Circular states that national park authorities need to work with local communities to reach a position where renewable energy is the norm in all National Parks, whilst not compromising the overriding purposes and duty. They also have a role to play in reducing emissions from a variety of sectors. The Circular promotes sustainable design standards for the construction and management of development. The circular also acknowledges the requirement of the Climate Change Act 2008 for authorities to report on how they will plan to manage climate change risks to people and the environment. They are also best placed to educate about the impacts of climate change because of the number of visitors. 6. The Climate Change Act 2008 commits the UK to set a long term binding framework to cut our emissions by at least 80% by 2050 and by at least 35% by 2020 against 1990 levels. It also places a duty for authorities to report to Government on (1) the current and future predicted impacts of climate change on their organisation; (2) proposals and policies for adapting to climate change; (3) an assessment of progress towards implementing the policies and proposals set out in previous reports. This is in the context of the national climate change risk assessment and adaptation programme has been devised to address the Act’s requirements. 7. The DEFRA White Paper ‘The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature’ (2011) is Government policy. It outlines that tackling climate change is essential for maintaining a healthy, resilient, natural environment and perhaps the greatest challenge for the economy. It states that a healthy environment is essential to long term growth and enabling it to adapt to climate change is a central theme of the document. 8. The core planning principles outlined in paragraph 17 of the NPPF support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change,

124 Agenda Item 16 Report PC51/15 Appendix 1 and encourage the reuse of existing resources, including conversion of existing buildings, including conversion of existing buildings and encourage the use of renewable resources. 9. Paragraph 94 of the NPPF states that authorities should adopt proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Paragraphs 95 and 96 go further by specifically stating that new development should be planned in locations and ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including setting local requirements for a building’s sustainability in a way which is consistent with the Government’s zero carbon policy and to actively support energy efficiency improvements. Paragraph 96 also outlines the need to increase the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy whilst ensuring that adverse impacts including landscape impacts are satisfactorily addressed. This paragraph also highlights that communities have a responsibility to contribute to energy generation from renewable or low carbon sources, such as community-led initiatives through neighbourhood planning. It recognises that renewable energy at all scales help to cut greenhouse gas emissions. 10. A Ministerial Statement was published on 25 March 2016. This outlines the Government’s new national planning policy on the setting of technical standards for new dwellings and Local Plan making. It states that the Statement should be taken into account in applying the NPPF. It outlines new optional national technical standards for new dwellings relating to water efficiency, access and internal space standards. It outlines that these can only be adopted in Local Plan policies if they address a clearly evidenced need and their impact on the viability of development is considered. They also only apply to 10 dwellings or less. It also sets out that Local Planning Authorities should not set any additional local technical standards or requirements relating to the construction, internal layout or performance of new dwellings. Furthermore, that from October 2015 existing Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plan or Supplementary Planning Documents should be interpreted using the nearest equivalent national technical standards for water efficiency, access and internal space standards. Options Considered and Preferred Approach Table 1. Issues and Options consultation

Issue Options from Issues and Options Preferred Approach Consultation 10. How can the Local What we propose to do Develop a strategic policy Plan best ensure the The Local Plan to include a policy to which includes a range of appropriate management permit and encourage work to improve the design considerations of the climate change energy performance of heritage assets which the supporting text impact upon the historic consistent with their character and raises. These criteria environment. appearance and that of their wider setting. would be specific enough to be used for 10a. Guidance could be developed, Development underpinned by a policy in the Local Plan, Management Officers and which attempts to provide clarity about the could be cross referenced potential impacts of various forms of with other Local Plan retrofitting and detailed guidance over policies. which options are most suitable in different contexts. 15. How can the Local What we proposed to do: Plan best ensure the use The Local Plan to encourage the use of of appropriate materials? local building materials, particularly where their use will contribute to sustainable landscape management and local employment. 15a. The Local Plan could encourage the use of the most sustainable, energy efficient materials regardless of source. 15b. The Local Plan could encourage the 125 Agenda Item 16 Report PC51/15 Appendix 1 use of materials which match locally distinctive appearances, regardless of source or energy performance. 16. How can the Local What we propose to do: Plan encourage the The Local Plan to require development to creation of buildings and demonstrate robustness to changing social, developments that are economic and environmental adaptable and flexible circumstances. over time? The Local Plan to require public spaces to demonstrate viability for multiple uses, rather than specific or inflexible uses. The Local Plan to require buildings to be designed so that they can be adapted. 16a. The Local Plan could include a policy whereby buildings within major developments incorporating mixed-use and commercial activities will be required to demonstrate a higher level of adaptability and robustness to change than those which are predominantly housing-led. This recognises that commercial and mixed use environments are subjected to higher pressure to change than residential environments. 19.How can the Local What we propose to do Plan best provide for The Local Plan to ensure that the levels of sustainable new carbon emissions and sustainable design development which standards from new development meet minimises greenhouse gas national targets and building regulation emissions and reinforces standards and that the location and design the resilience to climate of new development give greater weight to change impacts? the National Park’s landscape and natural beauty. 19a. Using an existing assessment model, the Local Plan could set standards which are higher than national targets and cover a wider range of sustainability criteria (such as Bioregional’s One Planet Living). 19b. The Local Plan could et sustainability standards, specifically tailored to the SDNPA. 20. How can the Local What we propose to do Plan address carbon The Local Plan to support energy-efficiency reduction targets schemes on existing buildings where they through energy-efficiency do not impinge on the National Park’s schemes? Purposes. For new build, exploit the Government’s emerging zero-carbon policy to secure high standards of energy efficiency in new build and, where appropriate, target opportunities for ‘allowable solutions’ into local low-carbon schemes including energy-efficiency schemes. 20a. The Local Plan could include a

126 Agenda Item 16 Report PC51/15 Appendix 1 ‘consequential improvements’ policy requiring property owners seeking planning permission to extend their property to make energy-efficiency improvements to the whole of their property. 20b. For new buildings, the Local Plan could require a greater level of energy reduction than currently required by National Building Regulations, that is, a policy of Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 (which incorporates 44 per cent energy reduction on 2006 emission rates).

Supporting text 11. The purpose of this policy is to improve the sustainability and environmental performance of new development including the change of use and extensions to existing buildings. This does not just entail the environmental performance of buildings but their ability to adapt over time to a changing climate. This policy should not be read in isolation of other policies like transport, design, landscape and green infrastructure. This section outlines what the SDNPA is aiming for in order to create the most sustainable and exemplar forms of development in the National Park. 12. The sustainability credentials of either multiple or individual buildings need to be designed into new development from the outset. The environmental performance of a building can be markedly improved through its design and these aspects should be integral in development from the start rather than improvements ‘bolted on’ at the end of this process. Whilst sustainability improvements can be made at any stage, there could be a financial dis-benefit if incorporated later in the process. The construction process can also have a significant environmental impact which its design could help to mitigate. 13. Over its lifetime, a sustainable building will have had a much smaller impact on the environment. The environmental performance of materials and renewable technologies can also conserve energy used in both heating and power consumption. This can help in managing costs and, indeed, improvements can be achieved at little or no additional cost which could plan a significant financial burden upon developers. There are also further economic benefits to end users such as reducing fuel poverty in light of the prevalence of oil fired heating across the National Park. There is therefore a need to focus on long terms benefits rather than short term savings. 14. Efficient and sustainable energy use in new development is a particular area that can help in achieving reductions in carbon dioxide. New residential development will need to result in ‘zero carbon’ standards from 2016 and 2019 for non domestic buildings. 15. The SDNPA aims to lead the way in terms of best practice in achieving high standards of sustainable development. Developers, other businesses and homeowners are strongly encouraged to consider what measures could be made to improve their own property when proposing extensions and alterations (including those allowed under Permitted Development Rights), or new development beyond the requirements of Building Regulations. The Building Research Establishment Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) for non-residential buildings is also an important tool for measuring the performance of buildings. 16. Table 2 outlines what aspects of sustainable design and construction could be incorporated into proposals. Applicants are encouraged to use these to achieve the highest possible environmental standards in their proposals. Major developments will have the ability to achieve more of these aspects given their scale of development and greater opportunities to implement long terms sustainable measures than smaller developments. The SDNPA will be assessing these in light of paragraph 116 of the NPPF. Early advice should be sought from the SDNPA to address these considerations.

127 Agenda Item 16 Report PC51/15 Appendix 1 17. There may be occasions where off-site provision/contributions are a more viable option. This may help to fund de centralised energy networks, or connection to existing combined heat and power (CHP) or heating/cooling networks or contribute to their future development. The viability of residential proposals above 10 dwellings will need to be assessed in relation to the Zero Carbon Homes policy. 18. There may be instances where particular circumstances of a development where it may not be practical or feasible to incorporate some of the requirements in policy SD20, such as in conservation areas, in or in the setting of listed buildings (see historic environment policies) or sensitive locations in the landscape. Policy SD37 deals with energy performance and historic buildings. Table 2: Measures which could be incorporated into proposals.

Energy Efficiency and consumption Measures can include: Passive solar gain and maximising natural daylight: The siting, orientation and internal layout to provide light and heat can significantly affect energy demand. Can reduce energy bills and create attractive living/working environments such as reducing overshadowing. The proposed layout can also increase opportunities for solar panels (eg. south facing roofs). Internal layouts can be designed so as to maximise solar gain to the most used rooms. Thermal mass: Materials with a high thermal mass can regulate heat fluctuations in buildings. Heat loss: Heat loss should be minimised to maximise efficiency. This can be achieved through insulation and glazing. Natural ventilation: Anticipated summer temperatures may require greater protection from overheating. Natural ventilation should be used in favour of mechanical systems which can have a high energy demand. Green and brown roofs: These can help to regulate the temperature of a building, remove CO2 and other pollutants from the atmosphere, reduce any heat island effect. Renewable technologies: These can include solar power, solar water heating, wind turbines, biomass, combined heat power networks, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, hydroelectric power. These can be applied in varying to development depending on the scale and nature of the proposals and site characteristics. Water Efficiency Measures can include: Rain water harvesting: This can be simple as a water butt to systems supplying toilets and outside taps. Grey water recycling. Black water recycling (more feasible on larger schemes) New landscaping which is less water dependant and more resilient to climate change. Efficient fixtures and fittings Landscaping As well as providing a green corridor and connectivity to the landscape to enhance biodiversity, this can regulate climate around a development (eg heat island effect), provide shelter from the wind and so reducing heat loss. It can also provide shade to avoid over heating and the need for artificial cooling. Drainage Sustainable Urban Drainage can reduce the risks of flooding and can be used in all types and scales of development. Providing more permeable surfaces in development can also reduce surface water run off or the need for drainage works to carry water off site.

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Agenda Item 16 Report PC51/15 Appendix 1

Flood resilience and resistance measures Buildings can become more resilient to reduce the consequences of flooding and facilitate a recovery from any effects. This can be achieved through, floor levels, appropriate materials, the layout of buildings, siting fixtures and electrical controls higher than normal. Storage facilities The use of composting bins and convenient cycle storage. Noise, air and light pollution These can be addressed through, site layout, travel planning, internal layouts, level of car parking, landscaping, energy efficiency, lighting only where necessary. Materials Using responsibly sourced and recycled materials can make a major contribution to sustainable development by slowing down the demand for non-renewable resources. This can also limit site waste.

Policy SD20 Climate Change and Sustainable Construction 1) New development including the change of use or extension to existing buildings which require planning permission should comply with other relevant Local Plan policies and reduce, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change by incorporating the highest standards of sustainable construction. 2) For residential development, the maximum national technical standards for new dwellings must be met.*1 3) Significant non-residential development must meet at least BREEAM ‘excellent’ standards. All other non-residential development must meet at least BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards.

*1 – Need to gather evidence on water efficiency, access and internal space standards. Plus assess viability.

Evidence  Climate Change Act 2008.  DEFRA ‘English National Parks and the Broads’ Vision and Circular (2010).  DEFRA ‘The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature’ (2011).  EU Renewable Energy Targets.  Water Framework Directive (2000).  National Planning Policy Framework (2012).  Partnership Management Plan (2013).  Planning and compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).  Planning and Energy Act 2008.  South Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment (2011).  State of the South Downs National Park (2012).  The National Adaptation Programme ‘Making the Country Resilient to a changing climate (2013).  UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Government Report (2012).  Water Cycle Study (2015).  Zero Carbon Policy.

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