Dover core strategy evidence base

Dover District Council looked at how strategic planning policy responds to wider climate change policy requirements. This enabled them to provide a more holistic, corporate approach to meeting climate change targets. The council examined opportunities and constraints for improving carbon efficiency of existing domestic and non-domestic building stock. It also worked to better understand the relationship with performance requirements for new building, including development proposed for strategic sites.

This enabled the council to assess the extent of opportunities to meet climate change targets through improved buildings (both old and new) and identify situations where additional district / site-wide infrastructure would be required in order to meet policy objectives.

The analysis of existing and future development was used to support the case for amending draft core strategy policies for sustainable construction that are more locally appropriate. The evidence base then tested the suitability of the revised policies against the following criteria:

• district-wide capacity for renewable energy
• strategic site capacity
• cost
• masterplanning and urban design issues

Dover case study - on the Local Government Improvement and Development Places and Partnerships library.

Key learning from the case study

Holistic approach

The study carried out by Dover was holistic. It assessed both existing stock as well as planned new stock. Many studies look at either the existing stock or standards for new build in isolation. This study combined the two to provide an appreciation of how total energy demand could be met.

Focus on implementation

Consider the way in which you apply the policy. Try to clarify what further support and policy development will be needed. This creates certainty within the council and aids internal resource planning. It also helps to provide certainty for developers and others involved in the development process.

Identifying opportunities early

Meeting new zero carbon standards requires an understanding of, and planning strategy for, energy demand and supply at the design development stage. Until relatively recently such an approach would have been highly unusual. Using practical expertise at this early stage of planning supports early energy strategies for development sites. It also highlights the opportunities for more cost and carbon effective investment, which might otherwise have been lost in more conventional discussions about the scale and phasing of development.

Future developments

Public consultation on Dover’s core strategy ended in March 2009 and it is due to be submitted to the Secretary of State in August. The Core Strategy and accompanying evidence library, including the evidence base for Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy, will be tested at Examination in Public in November 2009 with adoption anticipated in May 2010.