We consider that PO12: Climate Change should be updated to accord with the provisions of the NPPF. At para 95 the Government advises in the Framework that when setting any local requirement for a building's sustainability, local authorities should do so in a way that is "... consistent with the Government's zero carbon buildings policy and adopt nationally prescribed standards.". The proposed preferred option - which includes the requirement for a 20% carbon reduction via renewable and low carbon technologies - is not seen as consistent with the Government's zero carbon buildings policy or nationally prescribed standards.

It is at the national level, via on-going revisions to Part L of Building Regulations, that the Government is implementing its zero carbon buildings policy. These revisions to Building Regulations necessitate higher standards of energy performance in dwellings and the use of on-site renewable and low carbon energy. Future changes are expected to include a mechanism for off-site carbon reduction measures called 'allowable solutions'. Building Regulations are therefore the primary driver for the use of renewable and low carbon energy and so we recommend removing the 20% carbon reduction target proposed for the Local Plan.