Synopsis: Dover core strategy evidence base

The supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1, Planning and Climate Change sets out a range of key objectives for planning in tackling the causes of climate change and providing for the unavoidable impacts. Recognising the challenges set out within the PPS1 supplement and the need to develop a robust evidence base to support their draft core strategy, Dover District Council appointed EDAW and Faber Maunsell to produce an evidence base for sustainable construction and renewable energy policies. By examining the opportunities and constraints for improving the efficiency of existing building stock and by understanding the relationship with performance requirements for new buildings, including development proposed for strategic sites, the study took a holistic approach to understanding the Council’s sustainability priorities. The project demonstrates a number of critical success factors, including: • A clear and well defined brief • A holistic approach to modelling energy demand from existing and new building stock alongside the District potential for renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure • Modelling locally-specific data and understanding the local climate change context • Locally applicable targets and opportunities for advanced targets for strategic sites. • Collaboration with key stakeholders, including developers helping to form trust and confidence in the policies • Clear policy recommendations • Focus on implementation with guidance on development contributions and masterplanning and urban design issues