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North Somerset Council is consulting on a new draft Local Plan and people have until 5pm on Friday 29 April to give their views.
The new Local Plan Preferred Options document, identifies where development can and cannot take place in North Somerset and guides investment and funding for new housing, jobs, transport and community facilities until 2038.
The plan shows how seriously the council is taking its commitment to tackling climate change and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This includes consideration of environmental issues through the location and form of good quality development, promoting renewable energy, minimising car use, encouraging green infrastructure and biodiversity, avoiding sensitive areas such as areas at flood risk and minimising waste.
Key priorities for tackling the climate emergency in the plan are:
• Seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport – and thereby minimising car use
• Sustainable construction – high standards of insulation and net zero energy use
• Encouragement of renewable energy – domestic, community and commercial – including solar PV and wind turbines
• Support for biodiversity and protection of high quality land
• Avoiding flood risk areas and taking account of sea level rise
• Using sustainable drainage solutions
• Minimising waste
• Encouraging the reuse of buildings.
Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for placemaking and economy said: “We are serious about tackling the climate emergency. It’s vital that any new development supports our commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, to create a healthier, happier, greener North Somerset.
“The local plan will promote the use of sustainable construction and prioritise the use of renewable energy sources in all new development, as well as ensure developers provide the infrastructure needed to encourage walking, cycling and use of public transport to minimise car use.”
People can find out more about the local plan process by visiting a drop in session:
• St James Church Centre, Winscombe on Tuesday 29 March from 3-7pm
• Tithe Barn, Nailsea on Friday 1 April from 3-7pm
• Portishead Library on Thursday 7 April from 3-7pm
A question and answer sessions is also being held as part of the local plan process. Places are limited by the capacity of the hall so early attendance is advised. The session will be led by local councillors and be held at Long Ashton Community Centre on Thursday 31 March from 7-9pm.
To find out more and to have your say visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/newlocalplan