Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning, has committed to hold an ‘urgent review' of PPS22, the Planning Policy Statement for renewable energy.

The move follows an amendment to the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill, tabled by shadow Environment Minister Gregory Barker on 9 February. This called for developers to "incorporate on-site renewable energy in all new commercial developments over 1,000 m2 and all residential developments over five units".

Planning Policy Statement 22 currently only ‘encourages' renewables in new developments.

The amendment was defeated by 10 votes to five, but the government has committed to a review.

Gideon Amos, director of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), says: "The TCPA welcomes action taken by both the Conservatives and the Labour government. The government's commitment to an urgent review of an important piece of planning guidance is key to addressing the challenge of climate change."

Among supporters of the Barker amendment was Wal-Mart subsidiary Gazeley, developer of distribution warehouses.

Pat McGillycuddy, Gazeley chief executive, says: "We welcomed the Barker amendment as a sensible measure at a time when the UK is lagging ever further behind its own 2010 carbon emissions and renewables targets."

He went on to add that sustainable building design is good for both shareholders and the bottom line.

Source

Building Sustainable Design