The Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan 2021-2037 has received a substantial overhaul with a new supplement that emphasizes the significance of renewable energy in the borough’s future development.

National Government Guidelines

The new supplement aims to align with the national government’s efforts to combat climate change. The UK government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and promote low-carbon technologies. The Local Plan has incorporated these guidelines into its framework, outlining the council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Key Principles

Some key principles guiding the new renewable energy supplement include:

• Reducing carbon emissions
• Increasing the use of renewable and low-carbon energies
• Supporting economic growth and job creation through green technologies
• Maintaining material planning considerations

A clear policy framework is essential in ensuring that the borough’s development is aligned with these national goals.

Guidance for Developers

For developers, the new supplement provides valuable guidance on how to incorporate renewable energy systems into their projects. This includes:

1. Using wind turbines and other low-carbon energy sources
2. Assessing the potential for renewable energy generation on site
3. Maintaining infrastructure to support onward transmission of energy

The guidance aims to minimize environmental impacts and ensure that renewable energy systems are integrated into the development process.

Safeguarding the Water Environment

The new supplement highlights the importance of safeguarding the water environment from the impacts of renewable energy systems. This includes:

• Water environment sensitivity assessment
• Environmental impact assessment

The council aims to ensure that any renewable energy systems are designed and installed to minimize the risk of pollution and protect the local water environment.

Implementation Roadmap

The new supplement provides an implementation roadmap for the LCRE SPD. The roadmap sets out key milestones and timelines for the implementation of the LCRE SPD, including:

1. Preliminary research and analysis
2. Publication of the draft SPD
3. Public consultation
4. Finalization of the SPD and its adoption by the council

This roadmap will ensure that the council’s commitment to producing a Low Carbon and Renewable Energy SPD is delivered effectively and efficiently.

“As a council, we are committed to producing a Low Carbon and Renewable Energy SPD that supports our ambitious climate goals and benefits our community.” – Cllr Quesir Mahmood, Growth Boss, Blackburn with Darwen

Benefits for the Community

The new supplement will bring numerous benefits for the community, including:

1. New green jobs and opportunities for local residents
2. Reduced fuel costs and improved energy security
3. Support for economic growth and job creation through green technologies

The LCRE SPD will play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and ensuring that the borough’s growth is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Amendments and Finalization

The final LCRE SPD document has undergone some minor amendments following public consultation. These amendments include:

1. References added to require applicants to consider upgrading existing infrastructure
2. Additional wording added throughout the SPD to safeguard the water environment

These minor changes ensure that the document is comprehensive and effective in guiding future development in the borough.

Achieving Carbon Neutrality

The adoption of the LCRE SPD is a significant step towards achieving the council’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. This ambitious target reflects the council’s commitment to reducing the borough’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.

Conclusion

The adoption of the new supplement to the Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan 2021-2037 is a significant milestone in the council’s efforts to combat climate change. The new LCRE SPD provides valuable guidance and support for developers, while promoting sustainable development and job creation in the borough. As the council continues to work towards its ambitious climate goals, the LCRE SPD will play a vital role in ensuring that the borough’s growth is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.