10:10 – 14th February 2012

Birminghams ‘Places for the Future’ supports district energy

A new draft planning document, 'Places for the Future' has been published for public consultation. 

The Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) aims to provide detailed guidance for future development and investment in Birmingham in support of the Sustainable Development policies of the draft Core Strategy.

The policies will ensure that new development in Birmingham contributes towards efforts to create a sustainable, low carbon city by helping to reducing our overall energy consumption of nearly £2 billion per annum. These proposed new planning policies on energy efficiency and renewable measures help to cut this energy bill, as well as ensuring the City is effectively adapting to the impacts of climate change whilst nurturing and maintaining Birmingham’s overall natural environment and historical heritage.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Regeneration, Councillor Timothy Huxtable welcomed the start of consultation on this new planning document.

He said: "Birmingham is already embracing the challenges of a sustainable future through some fantastic, innovative projects such as Birmingham Energy Savers and our new BREEAM Excellent Council offices at Woodcock Street connected to the city centre’s district energy system.

"With the strong and growing demand for a wholesale transformation of the way in which Birmingham addresses sustainability, these early successes must become the norm. Isolated action and individual projects are not sufficient in themselves.

"I am motivated by the strong steps that Birmingham is taking on this journey to a more sustainable future. Everyone who works, lives and visits the City will benefit from the foundations we are laying today. By promoting the most energy efficient and adaptable buildings, infrastructures and sustainable communities, we are safeguarding the future of our citizens and businesses. I am confident that this marks a step change in supporting and encouraging green low carbon living, investment and jobs in Birmingham as a key part of the city’s growth strategy into the future. A city which looks after its environment is a city which attracts investment, keeps jobs and provides a high quality of life for all."

Once the consultation has closed, the comments will be reviewed and the document amended for formal adoption by the City Council before the end of 2012. You can read the consultation yourself on the Birmingham City Council website.