Planning matters

While the publication of the new NPPF, and Secretary of State Michael Gove’s recent announcement about the brownfield land presumption consultation, has been kicking up a bit of a storm in the planning world a different kind of storm(s) battered much of the UK throughout the start of 2024. Already, Storm Henk, Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn have brought widespread gusts and rain which resulted in travel chaos, power outages and damage to buildings and homes. According to an article published by the Independent[1], this is the quickest we have reached more than 9 storms named within a single storm season since the naming system started in 2015.

Climate predictions suggest we are set to experience more wetter and milder winters in years to come, resulting in increased intensity and frequency of storms in the UK^[2]. These predictions emphasise the need for proactive measures to increase climate resilience within the built environment, which is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather events. Whilst the link between climate change and extreme weather is not crystal clear, what is clear is human induced climate change is only exacerbating these impacts. So as planners, we need to question whether we are planning for buildings that can withstand the pressures and consequences of extreme weather.

This blog will explore how embedding climate resilience into the design process can be effectively delivered through the planning system with a particular focus on extreme weather.

It is clear the built environment needs to be robust in the face of climate uncertainties. I think there needs to be a step change from reactive to proactive measures to ensure we are planning for climate longevity and durability. Planning policy at the local and national level can champion the integration of design principles aimed at mitigating the impact of extreme weather and planning for climate longevity within the built environment.

‘Climate responsive design’ has an important role in the drive towards net-zero both in current and future climates; it should seek to reduce the amount of energy spent on repairs or whole redevelopment of those buildings that are not capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. Through incorporating weather resilient design features, we could reduce the need to produce extra materials for building repairs which results in embodied carbon savings, as well as general maintenance cost savings.

Looking at the recently published NPPF, Paragraph 159 states that new development should be planned for in ways that “avoid increased vulnerability to the range of impacts arising from climate change”.  The NPPF is loosely worded on how local policy should ensure development proposals are incorporating climate responsive design measures. However, I would argue that the issue has a particular relationship to policy covering design issues; well-designed places should also be climate resilient places. There is a clear opportunity for Local Planning Authorities and planning professionals to have a greater awareness of climate resilient design and for more in-depth discussions at the planning stage to ensure we are locking in future climate resilience within our built environment as early as possible. Early discussions can seek to avoid a bolt-on approach to climate resilience measures which may be more costly or less effective.

It may be some time before some LPA’s start to take an integrated approach to design and climate resilience and we see this emerging through new local policy; however we have seen evidence of one LPA in particular that is taking a step in this direction.  

Being home to some of the capital’s tallest buildings and high-profile assets, The City of London (CoL) Authority are getting ahead of the curve having recently launched its ‘Resilient Buildings Project’[3]. The project aims to embed resilience measures and implement risk mitigation measures all whilst ensuring alignment with their local design standards. The CoL have used ‘climate risk impact modelling’ to identify existing assets which are at the greatest risk from increasing climate pressures and the impacts of prolonged periods of extreme weather.

Here at Lichfields London office, located at the edge of the CoL, we observed firsthand how urban environments are perhaps more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather; experiencing loud rattling and shaking of windows in the area during Storm Isha. Modelling such as that being used by the CoL could help to inform suitable building fabric for office buildings which will increase its ability to withstand extreme weather in the future.

From this, the CoL identify climate resilient design measures to retrofit to existing buildings and to incorporate into new development. The CoL has established a ‘centre of excellence’ to drive research and best practice measures and deliver training into all areas of resilience work within the Corporation. The CoL is progressing a new set of design standards for new build development which will apply consistent requirements and good practices. The CoL’s Resilient Building Project is a great example of an Local Planning Authority being proactive and it will be interesting to see how the design guidance is used to shape and influence new development and retrofit projects. Will other Local Authorities follow suit in the near future?

It’s safe to say winter hit at full force in January. Although we have had some light relief from this extreme weather in recent weeks, we should not let this issue slip off the radar. As I observed in my previous blog on the 2022 summer heatwave, I believe there needs to be a shift from a reactive to proactive approach to extreme weather. This includes implementing responsive design measures to ensure that our urban environment is better equipped to withstand continued climate pressures and thinking about how good design can assist in this process. At Lichfields, we are attuned to the key considerations and issues when it comes to climate resilience and how it relates to climate change policy within London and across the UK. Please get in touch if you need help navigating planning policy or with one of your development proposals.