People are invited to share their thoughts on the development of planning documents that will support the response to the climate emergency in Calderdale.
Calderdale Council is consulting on the Energy Efficiency and Generation Development Plan Document (DPD) and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report. This is the first stage in the preparation of the documents which will eventually sit alongside the Calderdale Local Plan, forming the overall development plan for the borough.
This DPD specifically focuses on energy efficiency and on renewable and low carbon energy technologies, and their role in supporting the Council’s net zero ambitions. It looks at how future development, including new build and the conversion of existing buildings, is carried out to reduce energy use.
No specific sites or policies are proposed at this stage. The consultation asks questions about what should be considered in developing the Energy Efficiency and Generation DPD. The consultation document is split into sections covering themes such as how to achieve net zero buildings and how adding new or upgraded components (a process known as retrofit) could enhance the way in which a home retains heat.
It also asks for people’s thoughts about the delivery of renewable and low carbon sources of energy, including solar, wind, heat pumps and other emerging technologies, and how the DPD could support or manage these developments. This includes how to harness the benefits of these energy sources whilst protecting and enhancing the borough’s historic and natural environments.
Each section asks questions for people to share their thoughts. The Council is keen to hear a wide range of views and all readers of the document are encouraged to respond to as many of the questions as they wish to help inform the development of this DPD.
The documents are available to view online at https://calderdale-consult.objective.co.uk/kpse/event/7247C383-63C2-4090-83F7-4BB447B4DAF3(external link), along with details of how people can have their say. The consultation period runs until 5pm on Monday 8 September 2025.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“Since the development of the Local Plan, there have been a number of changes in government planning policy, as well a growing need to more urgently respond to the threat of climate change.
“We need to think differently about energy, to help us reach net zero targets and to tackle the climate emergency. Having clear planning policies in place allows development to be more controlled, maximising the contribution to sustainable development and minimising any potential adverse impacts. This consultation is the first stage in the development of an Energy Efficiency and Generation DPD, which will eventually form part of the development plan for the borough, alongside the Local Plan.
“Through this consultation we want to hear people’s thoughts about what should be considered in the development of the DPD. The feedback from this will be used to further develop the documents, alongside work to increase the evidence base. The completed document will help to guide future development in the borough relating to energy efficiency, renewable and low carbon energy technologies.”