Woking Borough Council

Climate Change

Climate Change Supplementary Planning Document

The Climate Change SPD was adopted by the Council on 5 December 2013, and is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. It provides detailed guidance for the application of Policies CS22 `Sustainable construction' and CS23 `Renewable and low carbon energy generation' of the Core Strategy. It explains what developers need to do to meet the requirements of policies within the Development Plan for Woking. It is therefore an important document to help deliver the spatial vision and objectives of the Core Strategy, particularly in terms of leading the way in high quality sustainable development that minimises the adverse impacts of climate change.

To view the 2013 Climate Change SPD see here

Draft Climate Change SPD

Following significant changes to planning policy since 2013, Woking Borough Council have revised the Climate Change SPD. The revised SPD sets out the updates to national and local targets regarding net zero ambitions and uplifts in building efficiency standards, as enacted by the changes to Building Regulation in June 2022. It is expected that all development complies with national standards and considers achieving beyond them to implement net zero development wherever it is considered viable.

Public consultation on the SPD will occur between 18th May - 30th June 2023. You can view the draft Climate Change SPD by:

  • Downloading an electronic copy of the document here; or
  • Requesting a paper copy of the document (subject to a charge) by emailing: [email protected]

Written responses to the draft SPD will be accepted by email or post:

  • Email your response to the Planning Policy team at: [email protected]
  • Post your response to ‘The Planning Policy Team, Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6YL’

Please note that the Climate Neutral Development Checklist has been updated in response to the draft SPD. To view the updated checklist please see here. The checklist is designed to aid applicants in meeting policy requirements and should be submitted alongside a statement which sets out the sustainable design and construction measures to be implemented within the development, including the use of any low/zero carbon technologies. For new residential development, the statement should also set out how the water and energy efficiency standards set out in the revised SPD will be met.

If you have any questions on the draft Climate Change SPD please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Planning Policy Team on 01483 743871, or at [email protected].

This consultation is running in parallel with release of the new Climate Change Strategy. Please see https://communityforum.woking.gov.uk/hub-page/netzero for more information on the wider Climate Change consultation and Woking’s net zero ambitions.