Please read this policy information and options together with the policy for renewable energy
About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.163 It was not possible to review the Core Strategy target for renewable energy generation through the LPPU. Consequently, a misalignment exists between the Core Strategy target and the Council’s Climate Emergency goal.
9.164 Stretch Pathway modelling outlined in the Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy 2019-2030 indicates the magnitude and urgency of our ambition in Bath and North East Somerset to achieve our 2030 goal. According to the Anthesis 2019 report, it is suggested that we need a minimum additional 300MW if renewable energy to contribute to the decarbonisation of electricity, heat, and transport. Rapid and large-scale development of local renewable energy installations is essential, such as equipping 50% of existing homes with roof mounted solar PV by 2030, installing solar PV on commercial roof space equivalent to around 116 football pitches, and incorporating approximately 28 large (2.5 MW) wind turbines.
9.165 Through National Policy there is no prescribed way of determining how much energy should be generated from installations located within Bath and North East Somerset. However, in order to explore the implications of our Climate Emergency 2030 target on renewable energy development and to provide an indication of the scale of the challenge, refer to our evidence base, specifically the Renewable Energy Resource Assessment Study (RERAS).
9.166 The RERAS was commissioned, working with our partners (South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA)) to ensure a consistent approach across those areas. As part of this, we have projected local energy demand in Bath and North East Somerset in 2030 based on the assumption that we are living in a carbon neutral scenario.
9.167 The RERAS presents a ‘snapshot’ theoretical projection of local energy demand in 2030 in terms of Gigawatt hours (approximately 1,260 GWh), and it is based on a number of assumptions. The RERAS outlines three scenarios regarding the number and mix of additional solar and wind renewable energy installations in Bath and North East Somerset to meet the projected 2030 local electricity demand.
9.168 However, the Council's ambition for a minimum 300MW surpasses the first two scenarios in the RERAS, and as the RERAS recommends these are presented as scenarios rather than targets, we have not included these as options within this document.
9.169 Given this misalignment, we believe that linking back to the Council's Climate Emergency declaration and emphasizing the 300MW minimum target is the most appropriate way forward. This approach ensures a clear connection between planning applications for renewable energy and the overarching climate targets, allowing for flexibility over the plan period in case of changes to targets or evolution in the evidence base. Notably, evidence base documents, such as the RERAS, act as snapshots in time and are based on assumptions. This strategic approach helps avoid scenarios like the LPPU policy review, where the target was set in the Core Strategy many years before the declaration of the Climate Emergency by the Council.
Option A
Flexible Target – Linking the determination of planning applications for renewable energy back to the Council’s and National climate targets.
Advantages of Option A
- Adaptability to Changing Targets: This approach allows for flexibility, adapting to changes in national climate targets. As targets evolve, the planning applications can be adjusted accordingly, ensuring alignment with the most current goals.
- Resilience to Policy Changes: Considering the evolution of evidence over time, this approach acknowledges that policies set in the past might need adjustment. It prevents the potential pitfalls of rigid plans that don't account for changing circumstances, such as the example of the LPPU policy review.
Disadvantages of Option A
- Potential for Delayed Action: The adaptive nature of the approach could potentially lead to delays in implementation as planning applications may need to be revised and updated based on changing targets.
- Lack of Long-Term Certainty: The flexibility introduced might create uncertainty for stakeholders, including developers and investors, who may prefer more stable, long-term targets for planning and investment decisions.