Issue - meetings

To inform the Planning Committee about the draft “Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document” (SPD) which is prepared as part of the Council’s Local Development Framework.

The Committee considered a report on the draft “Sustainable Design and Construction” supplementary planning document, which was approved for public consultation by the Cabinet on 12^th October 2010; the consultation would run from 4^th November 2010 to 27^th January 2011.

The Committee noted that there were few illustrations within what was a lengthy document, in response to which it was reported that officers were working on providing appropriate illustrations, and these would be incorporated into the final version for clarity. The Committee expressed concern regarding the proposals for district energy systems, as these had previously been discontinued as it was found that excessive heat was being lost into the streets. It was reported that technology had improved significantly to prevent heat loss, and assurance was given that the streets would not end up being heated as occurred in the past; the report aimed to set out for developers the options available to them, including district energy systems.

In response to a question from the Committee, it was anticipated that the final SPD would be brought to the Cabinet for approval and adoption in March 2011.

NOTED