Call for Evidence on Planning Policy and Climate Change

Views and evidence sought on proposed areas of focus for a review of the SPPS on the issue of climate change.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has published a Call for Evidence in relation to a potential focused review of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) on the issue of climate change.

It is widely recognised that the planning system has a key role to play in guiding, encouraging, and promoting a more sustainable and integrated approach to land use and infrastructure development and in looking for innovative and locally agreed solutions to the challenges we will continue to face in terms of climate change.

DfI is considering whether the current policy framework provided for by the SPPS in relation to climate change remains appropriate and fit for purpose, alongside ongoing work to finalise the review of regional strategic planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy.

The Call for Evidence is part of the process of gathering the necessary information to inform a potential focused review of the SPPS in relation to climate change. Such a focused review could seek to update and bring forward new and revised policy provisions on climate change on:

• the purpose of planning
• furthering sustainable development (including mitigating and adapting to climate change and the importance of ecosystem services)
• the core planning principles of the two-tier planning system

Find out more about the call for evidence and how to respond.

First published 3 January 2024