21st November 2006

A radical new proposal to charge developers a ‘climate change’ planning obligation on new developments was accepted by the City Council this week. The idea, a Green Party proposal, will be implemented within the next two years following the necessary planning policy development and statutory consultation. The funds raised will be invested in local renewable energy generation and energy efficiency measures – most likely routed through the newly established Energy Services Company (or ESCO – another Green idea).

Says Green Cllr Craig Simmons. “This is a UK first. Developers are currently held liable for a whole range of impacts attributable to their development. Why not climate change?”