Climate change is possibly the most important issue facing humanity and should be a consideration in every decision.
Although this guidance does not provide draft policies, these are to be made in light of local circumstances, it does identify a number of climate related issues and design considerations that should be taken into account in the design and implementation of development proposals and can be included in development plan policy requirements.
However, a number of emerging policies from across the country are included in a 'good practice' section.
The issues or design considerations identified in this document are accompanied by short descriptive text, the rationale behind inclusion.
The overall aim of the guide is to ensure that as far as possible, the planning process consistently contributes to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience, as a minimum, in line with the duties set out in the Climate Change Act 2008, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and in government policy.
The guide seeks to ensure that development makes a significant contribution to achieving the greenhouse gas reductions necessary to reach the national target of net zero by 2050 and remain within the carbon budget needed to limit climate change to between 1.5°C and 2°C by the end of the century.
Climate change is a universal issue that must be addressed, its impacts will be felt globally, but will affect us all locally.
We must therefore ensure that the planning system plays its part in driving the required actions consistently across the whole county of Derbyshire, actions that will combat climate change and create opportunity in a thriving, low carbon, sustainable economy and community.