Regen has warned a lack of integration between energy and spatial planning is putting the energy transition at risk at a local level.
Research carried out with the Royal Town Planning Institute sought to explore how effectively local energy planning and spatial planning are working together to advance net zero projects. From this, they found “significant challenges and missed opportunities” for local authorities who are trying to deliver clean energy and heat in alignment with clean power 2030 ambitions.
These include development plans not consistently being aligned with net zero goals; a lack of clarity on the distinct roles of spatial planning and energy planning, as well as methods of integration; inconsistencies in data across energy planning processes; chronic resource constraints impacting the ability of local authorities to engage with energy planning; and planning officers lacking the expertise to engage with energy planning processes effectively.
Integration of energy and spatial planning is important as it allows for timely and efficient deployment of energy projects, can reduce delays and opposition, and ensure energy developments are reflective of priorities at a local level. With no support in place to help local authorities achieve this integration, there are real question marks as to how quickly and effectively the UK can build the projects it needs for clean power 2030 and beyond.
Regen, therefore, is recommending the government strengthens the requirement for local plans to be net zero compliant; for guidance to be issued from government and the devolved administrations on the respective roles and interactions of spatial planning and energy planning, as well as best practices for integrating energy planning into local planning policies; and that government and the devolved administrations to provide guidance on standardising data outputs from energy planning.
Further recommendations include having government and devolved administrations to address resourcing challenges by providing greater funding and support, and for government and the devolved administrations to fund training programmes for local planning authorities to improve their knowledge.
