Purpose

The Town and Country Planning Association
(TCPA) has prepared a joint letter to the Secretary of State, Steve
Reed, and the Minister of State, Matthew Pennycook, raising
concerns about the negative impact of the draft NPPF, specifically
proposed policy PM13 (Setting Standards), on the ability of Local
Planning Authorities to meet national and local climate objectives.
The letter urges amendments to the draft NPPF to ensure that it
continues to enable authorities to set locally specific energy and
carbon (net zero) standards for new development.
In addition, the Council's emerging Local Plan (which has been
agreed by Full Council for consultation) includes locally derived
net zero carbon policies that would be prevented or significantly
constrained if the proposed NPPF changes were implemented. Signing
the letter reflects the Council's commitment to retaining the
ability to adopt robust and locally appropriate climate policies
through its Local Plan.

Content

To sign the Town and Country Planning
Association’s letter to the Secretary of State concerning the
proposed NPPF amendments relating to local net zero policies.

Tendring District Council has been invited to act as a co
signatory. Supporting this position is consistent with the Essex
wide approach developed through the Climate and Planning Group,
which over recent years has collaboratively advanced planning
policy approaches to energy efficiency and carbon reduction in new
buildings.

Alternative options considered

Several Local Planning Authorities in Essex
are incorporating proposed net zero policies within their emerging
Local Plans. The TCPA letter, which supports the ability of
authorities to adopt such policies, has also been circulated to all
Essex authorities. This demonstrates a unified and coordinated
response across Essex on this matter, consistent with ongoing
collaborative work on climate and planning policy.