William Eichler 28 June 2022

Campaigners call for ’20-minute neighbourhoods’ to cut emissions

Campaigners call for ’20-minute neighbourhoods’ to cut emissions image
Image: Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock.com.

All new homes should be within 10 minutes’ walk from shops and schools if the UK is to reduce its carbon emissions, sustainable transport campaigners say.

Sustrans is calling for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to refuse planning permission for new homes that are not within walking or cycling distance of amenities.

Primary schools, shops, bus stops and GP surgeries should be within 800 metres – or a 20-minute walking round trip – of the all new properties, the charity said.

Sustrans also said that in order to deliver these ’20-minute neighbourhoods’, transport and land use planning systems need to be much more joined up.

Rachel Toms, director of Urbanism at Sustrans, said: ‘The planning system is part of the supply chain of carbon emissions, locking many people into car dependence.

‘Currently there is no legal duty for the planning system to deliver on Net Zero targets or healthy, inclusive environments. For the UK to meet its legally binding Net Zero targets – and to improve the health of the nation and level up communities – the planning system has to make it ultra-convenient for people in new developments to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner