Planning for a sustainable future

The local planning system has a central role to play in the way local areas and communities adapt to, and lessen the impact of climate change. As part of its work around the Local Development Framework, and wider environmental stewardship, Plymouth’s Planning Service is progressing work on a number of areas.

Low carbon development

New developments in Plymouth have to comply with a set of sustainable and climate change focused guidelines. The Sustainable Design Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides developers with guidance for meeting sustainable design requirements. Development proposals must contribute to the creation of an environmentally sustainable city supporting the natural environment, and must also aim to reduce effects of and adapt to the potential impact of climate change. Developments must consider options for recycling, flood risk, renewable energy generation, and sustainable building materials, as well as methods for energy saving for a general reduction in carbon emissions. Sustainable design involves:

• Linking green spaces together, making these more accessible to Plymouth residents
• Creating sustainable communities
• Using sustainable building materials
• Promoting biodiversity

District energy

Traditional energy generation usually involves coal or gas fired power stations - electricity is generated here, and is then sent along power lines to individual buildings. This is an inefficient method of generating electricity, with around 65 per cent being wasted as heat. District energy involves local electricity generation - heat which when produced alongside electricity can be used to heat buildings. This is called combined heat and power (CHP). Renewable technologies such as biomass and solar energy can be used for district energy generation - this has the potential to make the energy we use more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

District energy in Plymouth will involve setting up an Energy Services Company (ESCo). Plymouth City Council’s ESCo feasibility study identifies Devonport, Derriford and the City Centre as areas which would benefit from district energy. A detailed study was completed in 2009 to help the Council understand the potential for sustainable energy in this area.

To find out more visit the Plymouth City and Derriford Sustainable Energy Study page.

Flood risk assessment

Climate change doesn't just mean warmer temperatures, it also means an increase in rainfall. Because of this the number of flood events is also likely to increase. We need to be prepared for these, predicting when these events are likely to occur, and what we can do to reduce the risk.

Plymouth is surrounded by river estuaries, and is also a coastal city, and so it is important that we understand what the potential risks are, and how to deal with them. Much of the development in Plymouth is found close to the coastal and riverside areas. Plymouth's flood risk assessment was conducted in 2006, and includes a section on the potential impacts of climate change. Plymouth's strategic flood risk assessment documents are below:

Level 1 assessment

Strategic flood risk assessment: Section one [1MB]

Strategic flood risk assessment: Section two [2MB]

Strategic flood risk assessment: Appendix one [10MB*]

Level 2 assessment

Strategic flood risk assessment: Level 2 [9MB*]

Plympton assessment

Strategic flood risk assessment (Plympton) [365KB]

Renewable energy

Renewable energy (energy which is taken from the planet's renewable resources such as the wind, sea and sun) is becoming more of a viable option both in terms of its status as a low carbon technology, and the opportunity it provides for Plymouth to source some of its energy more locally. Plymouth is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, and renewable energy offers a real solution. A renewable energy strategic viability study was conducted to scope out the potential for renewable energy in the city.

Find out more about the renewable energy strategic viability study.

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