PLANNING IS AT THE HEART OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, SAYS UK-GBC

11 March 2010

Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council said: "This announcement recognises the critical role that planning plays in tackling climate change and adapting to its impacts. Planning really is at the heart of creating sustainable communities.

"We recently recommended that local authorities take a lead role in identifying opportunities to deliver joined-up sustainable community infrastructure, particularly heat networks, working in partnership with the private sector. We are pleased that the draft PPS supports this view and emphasises a strong role for local leadership.

"The draft PPS also recognises that local authorities are ideally placed to help deliver on the zero carbon targets. Investment in so-called 'allowable solutions', requires a strategic overview that can only come from planners with local knowledge of the best sustainable energy options available."