Planning and Climate Change Position Statement

Climate change is undoubtedly the defining issue of our time. Adur & Worthing Councils' declared Climate Emergency in July 2019 and has committed to work towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The Councils have also signed the UK100 Cities Pledge to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. In November 2018, the Councils' adopted an ambitious programme of action on sustainability under SustainableAW.

The planning system is one of many tools that can be used to address climate change. The way in which we shape new and existing developments in Adur and Worthing can make a significant contribution to adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change through carbon reduction ('decarbonisation') and sustainable design & construction. As a planning authority, Adur DC and Worthing BC must take account of relevant legislation, national policy, and guidance relating to climate change when determining planning applications and the preparation / review of Local Plans.

Adur & Worthing Councils have prepared a Planning and Climate Change Position Statement which provides guidance on the relevant planning policies (within the context of climate change) that must be taken into account when formulating development proposals. It should also be used as an aid to guide the decision-making process to ensure that development proposals contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in Adur and Worthing. This is a live document and will be regularly reviewed to ensure that it is kept up-to-date. Other policies, plans and strategies will be prepared to support the overarching position established in this document.

Planning & Climate Change Position Statement (1,016KB)

Planning and Climate Change Checklists

Planning and Climate Change Checklists have been prepared for Adur and Worthing.

Adur Planning and Climate Change Checklist

The Adur checklist sets out the policy requirements in relation to climate change in one place to clearly indicate for which developments and in which locations they apply. It is therefore recommended that developers refer to this when preparing applications.

The checklist also highlights and encourages developments to meet additional elements. The impact of setting any future requirements, including on viability, will be assessed as part of the Adur Local Plan Review.

Adur Planning and Climate Change Checklist - June 2021 (520KB)

Worthing Planning and Climate Change Checklist

The Worthing Planning and Climate Change Interim Checklist has been developed to bridge the gap between the current Core Strategy and emerging Worthing Local Plan.

Worthing Planning and Climate Change Interim Checklist - December 2020 (222KB)

It is important that climate change is fully considered at an early stage of development to ensure that mitigation, design measures and landscaping can be fully integrated into schemes.

The checklist sets out interim measures that will be considered by the Council when determining planning applications and developers are therefore encouraged to meet them as far as possible.

The emerging Worthing Local Plan is well advanced, and the following policies are of particular relevance: