Moved by
Lord Ravensdale
179: Before Clause 78, insert the following new Clause—
“Purpose of Planning
(1) The purpose of planning is to ensure that the development of land balances long-term economic, social and environmental benefits, safeguards natural resources, and supports the needs of future generations in respect of land use.
(2) When making relevant planning policy or development plans or granting planning permission for the development of land, all relevant planning authorities must have special regard to the need to—
(a) contribute to the targets set out in—
(i) Part 1 of the Climate Change Act 2008 (UK net zero emissions target and budgeting);
(ii) sections 1 to 3 of the Environment Act 2021 (environmental targets); and
(b) adapt to any current or predicted impacts of climate change identified in the most recent report under section 56 of the Climate Change Act 2008.”
Member’s explanatory statement
This new Clause inserts a “purpose of planning” provision into the Bill. Currently, planning authorities are under no statutory obligation to take climate change into account in the determination of planning applications. This introduces a duty in relation to national and local planning policy and decisions.