Have your say on how Lancaster City Council tackles the climate emergency

Friday, 4 February 2022 11:49

By Greg Lambert

You can have your say on how Lancaster City Council should tackle the climate emergency.

Lancaster City Council has announced a partial review of its Local Plan and asked for the public to comment on its suggested climate change policies.

The Local Plan provides a blueprint for Lancaster City Council to make planning decisions up until 2031.

These include plans for new housing, new jobs, open spaces, shops and community facilities.

The plan was formally adopted in July 2020, but Lancaster City Council has been reviewing it after declaring a climate emergency.

The council has been looking at how to reduce carbon emissions in any new developments, and how to create buildings that are more resilient to climate change.

The review gives local people the chance to have their final say before the plan is sent to the government for approval.

Councillor Gina Dowding, cabinet member with responsibility for planning and place making, said: “Through this partial review of the Local Plan we are aiming to have the right policies in place to take action on the climate emergency and make sure that wherever possible it’s promoting low carbon and is fit for the future.

“Some of the really key outcomes include an objective that all new housing approved in the district will be net zero carbon by 2028, better consideration of flood risk and water management, and a greater focus on active travel networks.

“There’s also a greater focus on habitat and ecosystems, and the key role that renewable energy generation, distribution and storage plays in climate mitigation within new development."

The Local Plan documents, supporting information and details on how to comment are available here.

The deadline for responses is noon on Monday March 14.

Anyone who does not have access to the website can contact Lancaster City Council for a representation form:

Email: planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk