Planning experts have called on local authorities to do more to embed climate resilience into new developments and local plans.

New guidance by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) sets out how councils can use the planning system to reduce the carbon impact of new developments.

The guide urges councillors and planners to promote sustainable transport and renewable energy when putting together their local plans. It also emphasises the importance of setting policy requirements for sustainable buildings.

The planning bodies are also encouraging local authorities to approach climate change adaptation with a local understanding of the ‘reasonable worst-case scenario’. This will mean evaluating flood risk and designing buildings to be resilient.

‘Thanks to this latest edition of the climate guide, local authorities will have a better understanding of how to harness the planning system for climate action,’ said Dr Hugh Ellis, director of policy, TCPA.

‘Planning can shape lives and communities for the better, and is uniquely placed to provide a holistic, integrated view of climate mitigation and adaptation in housing, energy and transport. Local government can and must step into the gap left by central government inaction – and this guide explains how.’

Richard Blyth, head of policy practice and research, RTPI, said: ‘Planning plays a crucial role in achieving the climate commitments of UK Government and the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as those of local authorities, engaging communities and enabling environmentally friendly choices in everything from energy to transport.

‘The fourth edition of our climate guidance for local authorities, updated together with the TCPA, sets out a range of ways in which the planning system can take the lead in preparing for and tackling climate change. We urge local authorities to ensure this is at the heart of their vision for the future of our communities and make it their priority.’

Dermot Kehoe, director of transition and communications, Flood Re: ‘Working in partnership with the TCPA and RTPI, Flood Re has advocated for improved consideration of current and future flood risk in the planning sector.

‘We have highlighted the economic cost of the increase in flood risk for the insurance industry and homeowners along with the need to adapt to climate change (through PFR measures with our Build Back Better scheme and SuDS). The Climate Guide provides the necessary best practice examples to embed climate change in planning policy and safeguard homeowners from flood risks now and in the future.’