Stafford Road Corridor Area Action Plan

proposals for renewable and low carbon energy in theAAP area, within the context of Policy ENV7 andnational guidance.We feel that there are three Options:zero carbon non-residential development from 2019. Itis expected that a significant proportion of developmentopportunity sites identified in the AAP will beginconstruction after 2016.Option 1No AAP policy, rely on Core Strategy Policy ENV7Option 2Set out preferred renewable and low carbontechnologies for each development opportunity site, inline with current evidence.Option 3Include a policy which adopts a positive approach toproposals for renewable and low carbon energy inappropriate locations and requires developers todemonstrate how they have planned for higher nationalstandards, including zero carbon development, adoptinga hierarchy approach.Under Option 3, energy assessments provided bydevelopers would need to address Policy ENV7, butalso, where appropriate given Government timetables,demonstrate the capacity to achieve zero carbondevelopment in accordance with the following hierarchy:1. Ensuring energy efficiency. This will include measuresto reduce CO2 emissions via the design of thescheme and performance of its buildings.2. Planning for on-site low and zero carbon energy andlocally connected heat. The following opportunitiesshould be considered:a. connection to an existing heating networkwhere available (e.g. a City Centre network,if established)b. establishing a new site-wide heating network(e.g. for mixed use and higher density schemes),using renewable or, if not viable, low carbonsourcesc. the use of micro-generation, particularly solarthermal and solar PV3. Providing for allowable solutions towards off-site CO2reduction measures. The approach to allowablesolutions is currently being considered byGovernment, but is likely to be a financial contributionto offset residual emissions (for example £ per tonneof CO2). This money could be used for a range ofprojects e.g. heating network infrastructure orretrofitting existing homes with micro-generation.Preferred Policy ApproachOption 3 is the preferred policy approach because itrequires developers to demonstrate the capacity for theirschemes to achieve higher national building regulationsstandards, including zero carbon homes from 2016 andAchieving zero carbon performance has implications forboth the design and viability of schemes. It is thereforecrucial to consider this at the outset of themasterplanning process, given the lead-in times to AAPadoption and subsequent phasing of development. Thiswill help to ‘future proof’ schemes and ensure flexibility.Option 1 on its own is considered insufficient withrespect to planning for the longer term. Option 3 willhelp to ensure that the capacity exists for the AAPdevelopment opportunities to deliver zero carbondevelopment, when this requirement is introduced, in amanner which minimises costs and maximises widerbenefits.The Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction Study isa helpful reference point to show what could beachieved and what technologies could work within theAAP area. However, specifying particular technologiesfor certain sites in the AAP, as set out in Option 2, wouldbe too rigid, given the fast pace of advances intechnology and potential changes in the energy supplyand waste sectors. Option 3 allows for greater flexibility,requiring developers to consider how to respond toimpending national targets for zero carbon developmentnow, and also allowing for consideration of potentialviability issues.QuestionsDo you agree with the preferred policy approach(Option 3)?Are there any other sites / areas withopportunities to provide renewable and/or lowcarbon energy? If so, what are the opportunities?DeliveryThe delivery of renewable and low carbon energy in thearea will require a flexible approach. By providing clearguidance, the AAP can ensure the provision of this36Options Report for the Development of the Stafford Road Corridor