Act Sets Energy Pressure

By Shiel, Vicki

Councils that fail to propose ways to increase the provision of clean energy under the Sustainable Communities Act should be scrutinised, a Conservative MP has said. MP for Ruislip and Northwood Nick Hurd introduced the act as a private member’s bill and it received Royal Assent in October last year.

Under its provisions all local authorities will be invited to submit proposals in October on what the government can do to help them sustain their communities.

Proposals must consider a range of issues including energy conservation, sustainable energy, congestion, planning and waste.

Hurd explained: “Authorities are not required to take part, but if I get my way those that do not will have to explain why.”

He added: “I am working with 80 national organisations to put pressure on authorities to participate. There is no formal punishment for not taking part but there may be political risk in not doing so.”

Proposals will go to the Local Government Association, which will consult with the government and devise a shortlist that will form the basis of a national action plan. This will then go before parliament.

Hurd made his comments as the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and the Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA) launched guidance for communities to become sustainable energy pioneers.

Using case studies and a hypothetical city model that outlines character areas, the guide explores what combination of technologies work best at different scales (see panel). It looks at the opportunities for new and existing building types and uses.

TCPA chief executive Gideon Amos maintained that enabling people and communities to generate their own energy could help the environment as well as tackling fuel poverty.

Community Energy: Urban Planning for a Low-Carbon Future is available at PlanningResource.co.uk/doc

COMMUNITY GUIDE ON TECHNOLOGY TYPES

Appropriate sustainable energy by location

* City centre Combined heat and power (CHP) and solar photovoltaics

* Edge of centre CHP, district heating and solar thermal collectors

* Inner city districts CHP, local biomass heating and solar photovoltaics

* Industrial estates Wind power, energy from waste and biomass heat and power

* Suburban districts Microgeneration, micro-CHP, solar photovoltaics and thermal collectors

* Urban extensions Biomass district CHP, solar photovoltaics and thermal

* Rural hinterland Wind power and biofuel

SOURCE: TCPA/CHPA

Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. Apr 4, 2008

(c) 2008 Planning. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.