Lib Dems Call for Zero Carbon Growth in Bedford

Liberal Democrats on Bedford Borough Council are calling for a zero carbon growth planning policy as part of the fight against climate change.

At the latest meeting of the Council's Executive Committee, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Michael Headley asked the Portfolio Holder for Planning to investigate the introduction of a zero carbon growth policy such as that already in place in Milton Keynes, whereby new residential and commercial developments must be built in such a way that there will be no increase in carbon dioxide emissions resulting from heating, hot water, cooking, lighting and appliances. Where zero carbon emissions are impossible to achieve, developers must pay into a fund which is re-invested in the local area on work to ensure a reduction in carbon equivalent to the net increase in emissions from the new development, for example by improving the insulation of existing buildings.

Commenting on the issue, Cllr Headley said:

"There can be no dispute that urgent efforts to tackle climate change are needed, and as the local planning authority Bedford Borough Council has an excellent opportunity to take a lead locally in this critical area.

"The success of the zero carbon growth policy in nearby Milton Keynes, where it has been in operation for a year, shows that such groundbreaking action can be taken now. The council's latest policy of ensuring that carbon emissions for new developments are at least 10 per cent lower than the maximum stipulated in Building Regulations represents an improvement but I feel that we must now be looking forward with the aim of achieving zero carbon growth.

"The growing nature of the problem of climate change is already pushing us in the direction of zero carbon growth, and Bedford Borough must prove that it will lead rather than follow on this issue."