Climate & energy

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes the evidence base behind the Plan. A wide range of technical studies covers housing and employment needs, transport, infrastructure, climate change, sustainability, health and design. Key studies include the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) and the New and Expanded Settlement Study (NESS), which test whether promoted sites are suitable, available and achievable. Other evidence covers flood risk, water, renewable energy, retail and gypsy and traveller accommodation. A full list is on the Council's website.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the vision for Three Rivers as a desirable, prosperous district with sustainable settlements, a resilient economy and a high quality environment moving towards zero carbon. It lists the strategic objectives needed to deliver this, including a range of new homes with priority for rented affordable and family-sized housing, matching new jobs to new homes at a 1:1 ratio, making best use of previously developed land, and integrating infrastructure and sustainable transport. Other objectives cover heritage, climate change, biodiversity, open space, the district's rivers, good design, an ageing population, health and safeguarding the Green Belt.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the national and strategic context for the Plan. It has been prepared under the December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which requires plans to cover at least 15 years and to balance economic, social and environmental aims. Using the Government's standard method, Buckinghamshire's housing need is 4,344 homes a year, or about 91,230 homes over the plan period to 2045. The Council has worked with neighbouring authorities on cross-boundary issues and aligned the Plan with the Local Transport Plan.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section presents the plan's vision for 2050 and its ten strategic objectives. The objectives act as a golden thread running through the plan. They cover timely infrastructure, homes for all communities, jobs and a greener economy, effective use of land, net zero carbon, well-designed places, heritage and culture, health and wellbeing, better connections through walking, cycling and public transport, and protecting environmental assets while working towards environmental net gain.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains sustainable development and the plan's approach of Environmental Net Gain (ENG). Sustainable development means meeting today's needs without compromising future generations. ENG aims to leave the local environment better off than legal biodiversity rules alone require, covering carbon, soils, water, air quality, flood management and green spaces. ENG is an ambition rather than a mandatory requirement, but it is embedded across many policies, marked with a special symbol, and counts as a material consideration when shaping development proposals.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes transport and infrastructure. Buckinghamshire has strong road and rail links, and major projects such as HS2 and East West Rail, including a new station at Winslow, will shape future connectivity. However, parts of the network are at or near capacity, east-west links are limited and rural public transport is patchy. Transport accounts for about 51% of the county's carbon emissions. Healthcare, education, utilities and digital infrastructure also face pressures, so development needs to be matched by timely infrastructure delivery.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the Plan's vision for Buckinghamshire in 2045. It describes a county that has kept its rural character, protected the Chilterns National Landscape and made the most of brownfield land (previously developed land). New communities are healthy, well designed and served by the right infrastructure, with housing for different groups including key workers. The economy has grown in creative industries, space and high-performance technology, town centres have been revitalised, and green spaces, biodiversity and sustainable travel have been strengthened.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out Objective 2, on climate change. It supports the move to a net zero carbon Buckinghamshire by 2050, directing growth to the most sustainable locations and designing development to cope with flooding and climate extremes. Transport causes 51% of the county's emissions. Areas at higher flood risk include parts of South Bucks, the Thames near Wycombe, east of Aylesbury and around Buckingham. Development is steered first to sites with the lowest flood risk.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out Objective 8, on transport and digital connectivity. It aims to improve connections across and beyond the county through new sustainable transport infrastructure, safe walking and cycling routes, better public transport and improved digital coverage. Modelling shows planned growth will significantly increase traffic, especially around Aylesbury and High Wycombe. East West Rail will improve links in the north, while HS2 passes through without stopping. Many rural residents rely on cars, so the location of development is critical.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section introduces the climate change and net zero chapter. It explains that renewable and low carbon energy developments are essential for tackling climate change, improving energy security and supporting sustainable economic growth. Replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy cuts greenhouse gas emissions, reduces reliance on imported fuels, and supports innovation and jobs in emerging green industries.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy allows renewable and low carbon energy schemes, including micro-renewables such as small wind turbines, micro-hydro and solar panels, and decentralised energy like combined heat and power. Support depends on an assessment of impacts on residential and workplace amenity, visual and landscape character, air and water quality, the natural, built and historic environment, biodiversity, public access to the countryside, and the openness of the Green Belt. The council will consider both individual and cumulative impacts of such applications.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires all new homes to be net zero in operation. Dwellings must achieve at least a 63% improvement on the 2021 Building Regulations target emissions rate through energy efficiency, with fabric improvements from 12% for end terraces to 24% for flats. Meeting absolute targets of 35 kWh per square metre a year total energy, and 15 for space heating, earns positive weight. Fossil fuels and gas connections are ruled out except in exceptional cases, and on-site renewables must match predicted energy use, with offset payments a last resort. Larger schemes report energy data for five years.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires new non-residential buildings to be net zero for regulated energy, the energy used by fixed systems such as heating and lighting. Buildings must beat the 2021 Building Regulations emissions target by set margins: 25% for offices, 35% for schools, 45% for industrial buildings, 10% for hotels and residential institutions, and 35% for others. Absolute targets of 65 kWh per square metre a year, and 15 for space heating, are an alternative route. Fossil fuels are ruled out except in exceptional cases, on-site renewables must match energy use with offsetting a last resort, and larger buildings report energy data for five years.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the purpose of the renewable energy policy: supporting the move to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future through energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and careful use of natural resources. It describes how delivery will be supported by the detailed Chapter 7 policies on matters such as water, flooding, biodiversity, landscape, Green Belt, design and heritage, so that renewable energy schemes are well located and protect Buckinghamshire's environment.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy supports low-carbon development and asks applicants to follow an energy hierarchy: cut energy demand first, supply energy efficiently, then use renewable sources. Schemes of 100 or more homes (50 or more in off-gas areas) and non-residential buildings of 1,000 sqm or more should assess district heating. Opportunity areas for wind, solar and battery storage are mapped, with tests on landscape, wildlife, heritage, amenity and road safety. It notes the Future Homes Standard from March 2027, cutting new homes' carbon emissions by around 75 to 80%.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires all development to be designed and built to cope with a changing climate. Non-residential schemes over 1,000 square metres should achieve BREEAM Excellent certification, an independent sustainability standard, including full water efficiency credits. Buildings must follow a cooling hierarchy that favours passive measures such as orientation, shading and natural ventilation before mechanical cooling. Major residential schemes must complete a CIBSE TM59 overheating assessment and major non-residential schemes a TM52 assessment. Development must also build in resilience to extreme weather, use sustainable drainage and reduce the urban heat island effect.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy tackles embodied carbon, the emissions from making, transporting and assembling building materials. Major schemes of 10 or more homes or 1,000 square metres or more of non-residential floorspace must complete a whole-life carbon assessment using RICS guidance. Large-scale schemes of 50 or more homes or 5,000 square metres or more must limit embodied carbon to 600 kgCO2e per square metre of internal area. Buildings should be designed for easy disassembly and material reuse, major schemes involving existing buildings need pre-demolition audits, and smaller schemes must explain how they have minimised embodied carbon.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the purpose of the natural environment policy: conserving and enhancing Buckinghamshire's biodiversity, landscapes, water and green spaces while strengthening resilience to climate change. It sets out how delivery will run through the detailed Chapter 7 policies on matters such as water quality, biodiversity gain, green infrastructure, trees, protected sites, Green Belt, landscape character, flood risk and drainage.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets out how the Council will protect and improve the natural environment and respond to climate change. It commits to conserving the Chilterns National Landscape, delivering at least 10% biodiversity net gain on qualifying developments, and supporting nature recovery through the local strategy. It also covers protecting water quality, aiming for good status in rivers and groundwater by 2027, directing growth to places that reduce car travel, using sustainable drainage, adopting higher water efficiency standards, and supporting renewable energy.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy promotes cutting carbon in existing buildings, which produce a third of the district's emissions. Development must take a retrofit-first approach, considering upgrades to an existing building before demolition, following a hierarchy of fabric improvements, then low carbon heating and renewables, then connection to a heat network. Substantial or total demolition needs a feasibility assessment showing a new building would have similar or lower whole-life carbon, deliver public benefits retrofit could not, or that retrofit is not feasible. Sensitive energy efficiency retrofits of heritage buildings are supported where their significance is preserved.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets parking rules for new development. Parking must follow the standards in Appendix 3, including zone-based reductions in areas well served by public transport. In major schemes of 10 or more homes, 20% of spaces should be unallocated, supported by a parking management plan. Parking areas must not harm road safety, a building's setting or the character of an area, and need soft landscaping and surfaces that manage rainwater. Electric vehicle charging points are required, and car clubs are supported in suitable locations.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section introduces the renewable energy policies. Both Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils have declared climate emergencies. Stratford-on-Avon aims to be carbon neutral as an organisation by 2030 and to cut district-wide emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Warwick District Council has committed to cutting energy use and emissions from its public buildings and council housing. Much of the area's carbon comes from transport, and limited power supply also needs addressing to support economic growth.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects existing large-scale renewable energy infrastructure, including solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage, heat networks, bioenergy plants and green hydrogen production. These assets are safeguarded from development that would harm their operation, safety, maintenance or future adaptability. They can only be lost where they are no longer needed, replaced with equal or greater capacity, or outweighed by overriding public benefits with compensation. Nearby development must show it will not reduce efficiency, for example by overshadowing solar panels or disturbing wind flow to turbines.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section adds further protections for renewable energy infrastructure. Repowering, life extension and co-location of technologies, such as solar with battery storage, are supported where they raise output without unacceptable impacts. Grid connections, substations and cable routes are safeguarded, and maintenance work by network operators is supported in principle. Where infrastructure is no longer viable, a decommissioning and restoration plan is required, prioritising biodiversity, soil recovery and, where appropriate, restoring farmland. Community benefits such as local energy tariffs may also be considered.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets the framework for new large-scale renewable energy generation and storage, covering solar farms, wind, battery storage, bioenergy, hydrogen, heat networks and hydro energy. Proposals must follow national policy, avoid or mitigate significant harm, use land efficiently and take a whole-system approach linking generation with storage and wider energy infrastructure. Applicants should show proportionate local community benefits. A land use hierarchy applies: brownfield land first, then lower-grade farmland, with the best and most versatile agricultural land used only where no reasonable alternative exists.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section restates the scope of the policy on new large-scale renewable energy. It covers large-scale renewable and low-carbon energy generation and associated storage, including solar farms, wind energy, battery storage, bioenergy, hydrogen production, heat networks, hydro energy and carbon capture enabled technologies. It notes that detailed requirements for specific types of renewable energy scheme are set out in the following policy, ID.22.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets detailed requirements for different types of large renewable energy scheme. Solar farms on brownfield land are supported where contamination is addressed and impacts such as glint, glare and noise are avoided. On greenfield land, developers must justify the site, avoid prominent ridgelines and high-value habitats, keep hedgerows and show the best farmland is not needed for food production. Solar is also supported on former quarries, capped landfill, marginal land, transport corridors and car park canopies. Wind energy should go on brownfield or lower-grade agricultural land.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section continues the detailed renewable energy requirements. Wind schemes on the best farmland need a sequential site assessment and must allow farming to continue on most of the site. Battery storage must show fire safety measures and should sit near substations or grid nodes. Major developments must be heat network ready where a district heat network exists or is planned. Farm bioenergy must use genuine waste rather than energy crops, and hydrogen, hydro and carbon capture schemes each have their own safety and location tests.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section introduces the chapter on growing the South Warwickshire economy. It describes the area as a gateway to the West Midlands, with direct access to London via the M40 and the Chiltern main line, just 10 miles from Birmingham, and crossed by the strategic A46 route. It also notes that up to 1.18 million UK jobs could exist in low-carbon and renewable energy sectors by 2050, an opportunity the plan wants the area to be well placed to capture.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires new employment development to minimise its carbon footprint through climate adaptation and mitigation measures. Renewable energy generation must be built into all new employment schemes unless there is specific justification that it would be inappropriate for the location or type of development. Retrofitting existing workplaces to improve energy efficiency and add low carbon technologies will be supported, as will employment proposals that contribute to innovation in the low-carbon and renewable energy sector.