5.1 National planning policy requires the planning system to support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk. This implies radical change at a local as well as at a national level including a reduction in the use of energy from non-renewable resources. The impact on this area over the period to 2036 cannot be accurately predicted at this stage and the aim of the Neighbourhood Plan is therefore to provide a policy framework within which change can be managed in accordance with national policy. Whilst climate change, energy security and fuel poverty are global and national issues, their effects are being felt at the local level and are expected to worsen. For example, flooding of access roads and the rapidity of this, is already felt to be more noticeable within the Neighbourhood Plan area. Changes to the way we live and the energy we use in our homes and in travelling will be needed if greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced. Consequently, in future people will need to find it easier to make low-carbon and climate-smart choices.
5.2 In recognition that climate change is happening, and needs to be addressed, the new Dorset Council declared a Climate Emergency at its inaugural meeting on the 16th May 2019.
5.3 Communities are being encouraged to reduce their use of energy produced from non-renewable resources by government policy and by the escalating cost of this energy. It is evident that communities need to investigate and support the use and production of renewable and sustainable sources of energy an example of which is the solar power production at Caswell Farm, south east of Ryme Intrinseca. Additionally, the recently constructed Hastoe Housing Association development at Frylake Meadows in Yetminster uses renewable energy from roof mounted solar photovoltaic panels and heat source pumps. Policy CC2 looks to encourage appropriate individual and community scale energy generation. It does not apply to large scale, nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Frylake Meadow, Yetminster
5.4 Energy efficiency and other standards are set out in The Building Regulations (2010) and are supported by Approved Documents. However, Ministerial Statement HCWS 488 encourages planning authorities to set improved energy performance standards for new development. In response the consultation on the NPPF (July 2018) the Government advised that local authorities are not restricted in their ability to require energy efficiency standards above Building Regulations.
5.5 Both the Town and Country Planning Act and the NPPF expect neighbourhood plans to have a positive impact on reducing carbon use within their areas. This Neighbourhood Plan seeks to encourage higher standards of construction as was identified in the draft Local Plan (March 2012) as a percentage above the target emission rate of Building Regulations Part L, 2013. The improvement being called for is 19% and this is generally considered to be equivalent to the Code for sustainable Homes Level 4 that was being called for back in March 2012 and was subject to a financial viability assessment at that time (and found to not threaten development viability). For non-domestic buildings, builders are encouraged to aim for an ‘excellent’ standard under Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Model (BREEAM). All new development proposals and relevant alteration proposals should consider including water harvesting / storage features.
5.6 New developments will also result in energy use during their lifetime which is not covered by Building Regulations and is thus referred to as unregulated energy. To reduce the carbon impact of this unregulated energy consumption, a proportion of it should be offset by renewable energy generated locally. Policy CC4 has therefore been included, in the style of the 'Merton Rule' calling for 10% offsetting of carbon emissions. The method for calculating this unregulated energy could be the Government’s Standard Assessment Protocol (SAP) for Energy Rating of Dwellings (Appendix L: Energy for lighting and electrical appliances) or equivalent.
5.7 Modernisation, insulation and the addition of solar or photovoltaic panels can cause harm to the character and appearance of Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. Innovative solutions will be needed to assist in meeting higher standards in future.
Climate Change and Water Management Objective 1 To reduce the extent to which local development contributes towards the impact of climate change and, where practical, take steps to adapt to its anticipated impacts. |
Policy CC1: Minimising Carbon Footprint Applicants should seek to minimize the carbon footprint of development proposals and are encouraged to submit a statement setting out the anticipated carbon emissions of the proposed development. |
Policy CC2: Individual and Community Scale Energy Proposals for individual and community scale energy from, for example, solar and photovoltaic panels, ground and air source heating, local biomass facilities, hydro-electric and anaerobic digesters will be supported subject to all the following considerations:
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Policy CC3: Renewable Energy and Waste Reduction in Building Design Building design to maximise the use and production of renewable energy, reduce energy and waste consumption and that uses natural, sustainable resources will be supported subject to all the following considerations:
The proposed development should aim to meet a high level of energy efficiency where achievable. Residential buildings should aim to exceed the target emission rate of the Building Regulations (Part L2013). Non-residential buildings should meet the relevant design category of the Building Research Establishment BREEAM building standard ‘excellent’. |
Policy CC4: Energy Generation to Offset Predicted Carbon Emissions New residential and non-residential development should, where possible, secure at least 10% of its total unregulated energy from decentralized and renewable low carbon sources. |
5.8 At times of prolonged rainfall all access roads to Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca and through Hamlet can simultaneously become affected or blocked by flooding. Locations are shown on map 9 which also shows the flood plain.
5.9 In some circumstances the flooding of access roads is a symptom of inadequate maintenance of drainage ditches and overloading of flood plains adjoining the River Wriggle.
5.10 Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca lie within an area of high groundwater and during periods of wet weather, when the ground is saturated, groundwater can enter the foul sewers. This is a particular problem at the bottom of Brister End. CCTV investigation of foul sewers in the area was undertaken in 2017 and a programme of sewer resealing is planned by Wessex Water.
5.11 Work to provide additional capacity at Thornford Sewage Treatment Works which serves the Neighbourhood Plan area was scheduled for 2020 and is now complete. These works also include a scheme to reduce phosphorus in the final effluent.
Climate Change and Water Management Objective 2 To promote steps to reduce or eliminate flooding and to maintain adequate sewage treatment facilities. |
Policy CC5: Drainage Proposals for new development within or adjoining Yetminster (in the Infiltration Consultation Area as defined by Wessex Water) that would be likely to give rise to increased surface water run-off, should be supported by a site-specific Surface and Foul Water Drainage Strategy that sets out details of how surface water and foul water drainage will be managed. This should demonstrate that all the following criteria are met:
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