The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has prepared a joint letter to the Secretary of State, Steve Reed, and the Minister of State, Matthew Pennycook, raising concerns about the negative impact of the draft NPPF, specifically proposed policy PM13 (Setting Standards), on the ability of Local Planning Authorities to meet national and local climate objectives. The letter urges amendments to the draft NPPF to ensure that it continues to enable authorities to set locally specific energy and carbon (net zero) standards for new development.
In addition, the Council's emerging Local Plan (which has been agreed by Full Council for consultation) includes locally derived net zero carbon policies that would be prevented or significantly constrained if the proposed NPPF changes were implemented. Signing the letter reflects the Council's commitment to retaining the ability to adopt robust and locally appropriate climate policies through its Local Plan.

To sign the Town and Country Planning Association’s letter to the Secretary of State concerning the proposed NPPF amendments relating to local net zero policies.

Tendring District Council has been invited to act as a co signatory. Supporting this position is consistent with the Essex wide approach developed through the Climate and Planning Group, which over recent years has collaboratively advanced planning policy approaches to energy efficiency and carbon reduction in new buildings.

Several Local Planning Authorities in Essex are incorporating proposed net zero policies within their emerging Local Plans. The TCPA letter, which supports the ability of authorities to adopt such policies, has also been circulated to all Essex authorities. This demonstrates a unified and coordinated response across Essex on this matter, consistent with ongoing collaborative work on climate and planning policy.