Planning for Climate Change

Read the Planning for Climate Change SPD (PDF) [3MB]

You can also view a web version of the document

This Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted on 3 April 2024 and provides supporting guidance on the interpretation and implementation of climate change related policies in the adopted Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy, notably policies STR1 and ENV3.

An adoption statement (PDF) [99KB] has been prepared which accompanies the SPD.

It will be used in the determination of planning applications for the construction of new homes and for other developments in the New Forest district area outside of the National Park.  

The key objectives of this SPD are to encourage the development industry to take all reasonable steps to reduce carbon emissions when designing and constructing new buildings, and to make new development more sustainable and resilient to climate extremes.  The SPD sets out best practice approaches or standards that we encourage developers to target or to adopt.

Consultation period

As part of the document's preparation, a consultation period took place closing on 11 July 2023. A schedule of all the responses received was prepared summarising the comments and how they were taken in to account by the Council in the final document adopted. 

Consultation Summary and Responses

Consultation Statement (PDF) [452KB]

adoption statement (PDF) [99KB]

Sustainability Appraisal Document (PDF) [70KB]

Climate Change Statement Information Proforma (Word doc) [55KB]