Published: Wednesday 20 January 2021
Guidance is part of Council plans to boost air quality and lower carbon emissions
New plans in Kensington and Chelsea have been proposed to help developers make sure new and existing buildings reduce harmful carbon emissions and protect the local environment.
Residents, businesses and developers can have their say now on the planning guidance until 23 February. The draft plans – known as the Greening Supplementary Planning Document - set out how to keep the borough green, encouraging developers to design in measures to cut carbon emissions and improve air quality.
The Council joined other London boroughs in declaring a climate emergency last year, becoming a carbon neutral Council by 2030, a carbon neutral borough by 2040 and setting targets to meet World Health Organisation standards on air quality.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Planning, said:
“We have set our own ambitious targets to improve air quality, lower carbon emissions and keep our environment green – but we cannot meet them alone.
“The world has woken up to the climate crisis and we need to make sure our borough plays its part. By setting out guidance for new developments and upgrades to existing buildings we hope to see developers putting the environment at the heart of future projects and designing in green initiatives from the off.”
The Council has led the way with its own initiatives. Last month it announced that 38 properties in Treadgold House in North Kensington will get an innovative energy efficient overhaul. The work will make the homes carbon-neutral by generating the energy required for heating, hot water and electrical appliances through measures such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, as well as reducing bills for residents and helping the Council towards its commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.
To take part in the consultation on the Greening Supplementary Planning Document, visit https://planningconsult.rbkc.gov.uk before 23 February 2021.