Sustainable development and high quality design are at the centre of the Council's approach to plan making and deciding planning applications. Sustainable developments can be maintained over time, respect the natural environment and ensure a better quality of life for everyone. Delivering more sustainable forms of development can help to tackle the causes and effects of climate change. It is essential that we tackle the environmental performance of new developments and buildings now as well as protecting the interests of future generations.

Our Commitment

We have signed up to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change which is a public commitment to develop plans to progressively address the causes and impacts of climate change.

In planning for now and in the future we are also strongly committed to ensuring that all new developments positively address their environmental impact, such as the efficient use of natural resources. This is why we have set out standards for sustainable design and construction for all major developments within our Core Strategy.

Sustainable Design and Construction SPD

A draft Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been prepared and will form part of the Ashford Local Development Framework.

The purpose of the document is to provide guidance on the measures and opportunties available to developers and householders to integrate sustainability into their development.

It sets out guidance on how to meet the requirements for achieving the relevant Code for Sustainable Homes / BREEAM standards and carbon dioxide reduction targets set out in Policy CS10 of the adopted Core Strategy as well as the establishment of an Ashford carbon fund to ensure new developments in the Borough achieve carbon neutrality.

The draft Sustainable Design and Construction SPD will be subject to a period of eight weeks public consultation beginning on Friday 28th November 2008 to Friday 23rd January 2009.

To view the document and/or make a comment please visit the consultation portal.

For more information on sustainable development please email Katy Wiseman or telephone (01233) 330229.