Climate change will be a key consideration in the design of new building projects, as a new update has been made to planning guidance.

Consultation on a limited update of 'Technical Advice Note 12 on Design' was launched by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson said: "This is another part of the jigsaw for the Welsh Assembly Government's Planning for Climate Change agenda. This will be a step towards the 'One Wales' commitment to more sustainable buildings by making applicants consider sustainability in the design of the development at the outset of any project."


The consultation is limited in scope as it updates the TAN 12 to incorporate the element of Access Statements and the proposed changes which follows the consultation responses to 'Planning for Climate Change'.

The update describes design statements, a new proposed statutory requirement, and reflects the Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to tackling climate change through the design of new buildings. It is hoped that a Design and Access Statement will be considered a useful tool for enabling planning applicants to demonstrate early on in any project not only traditional aspects of good design, but also how they have considered the climate change agenda and therefore plan for sustainable buildings.

(CD/JM)