In July 2010, Wales introduced One Planet Developments; a national planning policy to encourage low environmental impact developments. This is in response to studies showing that, if everyone consumed natural resources at the rate that Wales currently does, it would take 3 planets to support everyone. It has been concluded that Wales must reduce its ecological footprint by 75% by 2050 in order to achieve consumption rates that are fair and equal.
In accordance with this overall aim, the fundamental objectives of the ambitious One Planet Developments Scheme is that Wales’ ecological footprints be reduced to 1.88 global hectares per person, reflecting the global average availability of resources.
One Planet Developments can take numerous forms. They could be single homes, cooperative communities or larger settlements. Applications for the One Planet Development Scheme carry with them strict requirements; these include:
- Management plans
- Business and improvement plan
- Ecological footprint analysis
- Zero carbon analysis
- Biodiversity and landscape assessment
- Community impact assessment
- Transport assessment and travel plans
- Annual monitoring report confirming continued compliance
Each of these requirements carries recommendations for short, medium and long term goals to achieve the scheme’s overall aims. With One Planet Developments now having been completed in Pembrokeshire, Flintshire, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly and Carmarthen, Wales is making good progress towards a low impact and environmentally friendly built environment.
For more information on ways to make your home or development more environmentally friendly and comply with local and national environmental regulations, feel free to contact one of our friendly expert team at Syntegra Consulting Ltd.
