The Localism agenda introduced by the coalition Government has significant implications for Local Planning Authorities. Decision making on building development is likely to be devolved down to a neighbourhood level. Plan and decision making powers may also given to groups of local residents and/or businesses.

In parallel with these fundamental changes, the Planning Policy Statements on Planning and Climate Change (PPS1 Supplement) and PPS22 (Renewable Energy) are due to be combined into an overarching single PPS. Until these proposals are finalized, Local Planning Authorities will continue to refer to their existing adopted Development Plan Documents. The scrapping of Regional Plans (subject to Review) will also affect Plan development and determination. In England and Wales only London will retain a regional Planning framework. Scotland retains its independent Planning framework - with SPP6 being the key renewable policy.

Currently the key English and Welsh planning policy drivers are:

1. Planning Policy Statement (Planning & Climate Change) supplement to PPS1 (Sustainable Development) : Link

2. Planning Policy Statement 22 (Renewable Energy)

3. Mayor's (revised 2008) London Plan policy 4A.7 (Renewable Energy) - below and Link

4. Local Planning Authority Unitary Development Plans – being superseded by Local Development Frameworks

5. Planning & Energy Bill (2008) : National Archives link

• Merton Rule renewable energy planning UDP policy PE13: Link

London Plan Policy 4A.7

 "The Mayor will and boroughs should in their DPDs adopt a presumption that developments will achieve a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 20% from onsite renewable energy generation (which can include sources of decentralised renewable energy) unless it can be demonstrated that such provision is not feasible. This will support the Mayor’s Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Strategy and its objectives of increasing the proportion of energy used generated from renewable sources by:

• requiring the inclusion of renewable energy technology and design, including: biomass fuelled heating, cooling and electricity generating plant, biomass heating, combined heat, power and cooling, communal heating, cooling and power, renewable energy from waste (Policy 4A.21) photovoltaics, solar water heating, wind, hydrogen fuel cells, and ground-coupled heating and cooling in new developments wherever feasible

• facilitating and encouraging the use of all forms of renewable energy where appropriate, and giving consideration to the impact of new development on existing renewable energy schemes.