Planning and Sustainability: Utilising the planning system to shift toward net zero – Roundtable

Setting the Scene: Planning as a Climate Lever

Shifting toward net-zero emissions is a national priority that depends heavily on local implementation, with the planning system serving as a key mechanism for embedding climate action into communities and guiding long-term sustainable investment. Local authorities play a vital role by using their planning powers to influence outcomes such as reducing the carbon footprint of new developments and enhancing community resilience to climate risks.

By aligning local plans with sustainability objectives, councils can promote spatial strategies that support connected, community-based development, encourage shifts to active and public transport, and enable renewable energy and nature-based solutions. However, councils face challenges including navigating complex policy environments, balancing competing priorities, securing adequate resources and skills, and ensuring coherence across local, regional, and national levels. There is also a pressing need for clearer guidance, stronger incentives, and more consistent integration of climate considerations into planning decisions.

Utilising the Planning System to shift towards Net Zero

Liz Hobden, Principal Consultant at the LGA’s Planning Advisory Service (PAS), provided a strategic overview of how planning policy is evolving to meet climate goals. The UK's Climate Change Act 2008 sets a legal target for achieving net zero emissions by 2050, which now guides local governments and is embedded in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Over 300 councils in England have declared a climate emergency, reinforcing the local commitment to climate action. Local authorities play a pivotal role by tailoring climate strategies through their services, including resource reuse, building retrofits, green infrastructure, and sustainable drainage systems. Local Plans are essential tools for embedding sustainability into spatial planning, helping to reduce emissions and support environmental goals. The 2024 NPPF mandates planning systems to address climate impacts such as overheating, flood risks, and coastal change, ensuring alignment with national net-zero targets. These plans must also support climate adaptation, resilience, and the development of renewable and low-carbon energy infrastructure.

Councils like Leeds and Nottingham have set ambitious carbon neutrality targets, backed by investment in energy efficiency and climate strategies. Trafford Council promotes retrofit strategies and nature-based solutions to foster green growth and sustainable urban environments. Local Plans also support sustainable transport by integrating active travel, public transport, and electric vehicle infrastructure, contributing to lower emissions and healthier communities. Embedding sustainability in planning delivers long-term benefits, including enhanced community wellbeing, economic resilience, and protection of natural resources.

Currently, planning guidance documents, neighbourhood planning initiatives, and proactive development management approaches support carbon-neutral development. Looking ahead, new systems such as Spatial Development Strategies will help deliver key infrastructure aligned with climate priorities, while Supplementary Plans will embed net zero ambitions and design standards into local planning frameworks.

PAS – How can we plan for a better environment?

Local Innovation: National Change

Lancaster City Council has demonstrated national leadership through its innovative and determined approach to embedding net zero into local planning policy. Led by Diane Neville and Susanna Dart, the council adopted its Climate Emergency Local Plan Review (CELPR) in January 2025, which includes robust policies on flood risk, water efficiency, habitat connectivity, active travel, and a standout commitment to ensure all new homes are net zero carbon by 2028 using a fabric-first approach. Despite initial resistance from the Planning Inspectorate, Lancaster successfully defended its policy through a strong evidence base and widespread public and national engagement.

The council’s engagement strategy was particularly forward-thinking, using social media, explainer videos, webinars, virtual drop-ins, and interactive storyboards to make planning accessible and inclusive. Their efforts resulted in a policy that not only reduces emissions but also tackles fuel poverty, improves health outcomes, and sets a replicable precedent for other authorities. The speakers noted, “Don’t take no for an answer. Never underestimate the importance of local policy—it really is central if you want change to happen.”

Lancaster’s timeline—from initiating the CELPR in July 2020 to adoption in January 2025—was marked by persistent advocacy, including national conversations and community outreach. Their work earned them the LGC Net Zero Award and the National MGA Award, with judges praising their “quiet confidence, community engagement, and national influence.” The council’s approach has redefined how Local Plans can be developed, with a strong focus on co-benefits such as reduced energy bills, passive heating and cooling, and enhanced green and blue infrastructure.

The judges commended Lancaster’s “unparalleled tenacity and determination in pushing boundaries and leading the charge on a national scale,” highlighting their success in creating lasting, sustainable change for local communities, especially the most vulnerable. Their advice to other councils included: be bold, make the case for a well-resourced planning team, ensure policies are clear and evidence-backed, secure political support, and engage communities and stakeholders throughout the process.

Embedding Climate in Strategic Planning

Toby Forbes-Turner, Planning Policy Manager at City of Lincoln Council, presented how climate change was embedded at the heart of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (CLLP), adopted in April 2023. Developed collaboratively by the City of Lincoln, North Kesteven, West Lindsey, and Lincolnshire County Council, the plan reflects a joint commitment to sustainable development across a diverse area of approximately 290,000 residents. The region includes the historic City of Lincoln, the market towns of Sleaford and Gainsborough, and a predominantly rural landscape with low population density.

The Central Lincolnshire partnership, formed in 2009, operates through a statutory Joint Planning Committee with representatives from each local authority. The CLLP team comprises seven officers, supported by senior leadership across the councils. The first CLLP was adopted in 2017 after four years of development, marking a significant achievement in uniting different political perspectives and addressing both urban and rural needs through over 70 policies and sustainable site allocations.

Following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in 2018 and the requirement to review plans within five years, the councils undertook a full review of the plan. This review provided an opportunity to reassess housing allocations and strengthen climate-related policies. With two councils having declared climate emergencies, members of the Central Lincolnshire Committee were asked whether they wanted to “aim high” on climate action—an ambition they endorsed.

The updated plan includes key policies such as Policy S6, which sets design principles for energy-efficient buildings, and Policy N7, which establishes targets for reduced energy consumption. These are supported by a suite of guidance documents, including an energy efficiency design guide, checklist, FAQs, and templates. The plan’s development was underpinned by a strong evidence base from consultants, including Bioregional and Etude.

Toby emphasised that successful implementation depends on member support, officer training, and peer-to-peer networks. While acknowledging the challenges of viability and trade-offs, he reaffirmed the council’s commitment to sustainable development. He noted that most new schemes are now compliant with the plan’s energy standards, though it takes time for policies to fully embed. Reflecting on the process, he advised that local plans can and should be ambitious in promoting net zero, provided they are backed by robust evidence and a willingness to defend their approach.

Central Lincolnshire – Adopted Local Plan 2023

Breakout Discussions and Reflections

Participants engaged in breakout discussions to share local experiences and priorities. Key themes included:

• The need for stronger integration between planning and climate teams.
• Challenges in implementing policies post-adoption.
• The importance of clear, evidence-based policies and early engagement with developers.
• Concerns about national policy uncertainty and the future of supplementary planning documents.

Feedback from the breakout rooms highlighted admiration for Lancaster and Lincoln’s leadership, alongside a desire for more resources and support to replicate their success.

Closing Remarks and Next Steps

The session concluded with a call to action: councils must be confident, tenacious, and ambitious in using planning to drive climate action.