Policy information sourced from Core Strategy for Chiltern District

CS4: Ensuring That Development is Sustainable

To ensure long–term sustainability of development and help contribute towards national targets to reduce overall CO2 emissions, the Council will expect all new developments to have regard to the sustainable development principles set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Sustainability Principles for Chiltern District

  • Locations which are easily accessible by public transport, walking and cycling and which are provided with fast broadband services to reduce reliance on the car;
  • Maximum use of previously developed land, achieving higher densities in accessible locations, making the best use of existing transport infrastructure and services;
  • Safer access for all types of transport and pedestrians;
  • Minimal disruption in terms of water, noise and light pollution in the wider environment;
  • Minimal impact on designated local Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA);
  • Waste management and resource efficiency, being located within existing recycling service networks or providing new recycling and waste management facilities within the development;
  • Use of renewable energy technology sources wherever required under Policy CS5;
  • Use of water efficiency measures during construction projects and as part of new development to reduce consumption and ensure no detrimental impact on water quality;
  • Maximum re-use of construction and demolition materials and the use of locally produced building materials wherever possible;
  • Assessment of surface water drainage impacts and the inclusion of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) which consider all SUDS options and ground conditions, under advice set out in national policy. The design and consideration of SUDS in the Critical Drainage Areas should be given particular attention so that it will not increase the risk of flooding within the site and to adjoining land/ properties;
  • Reduced risk of flooding in appropriate circumstances as a result of the new development; Preservation and enhancement of nature conservation interests and important features of the natural environment such as rivers, streams, river corridors, flood plains, trees, hedgerows, ensuring there is a net gain in the District’s biodiversity resources by meeting the targets in the national and local Biodiversity Action Plans as required under Policy CS24 of this Strategy;
  • Protection and enhancement of the historic and cultural heritage of the District including significant assets of the historic environment such as archaeological sites, historic buildings and settlements, designated landscapes, commons, ancient woodlands and hedgerows.
  • Remediation of contaminated land, including treatment of contaminated material in line with national policy advice;
  • Incorporation of cycle and vehicle parking appropriate to the needs of the site;
  • Travel plans for any residential development of over eighty dwellings and for other development as defined by the local transport authority in its published document (including updates) “Travel Plan Guidance for Developers” www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/travelchoice_guidance. page;
  • Efficient and sustainable use of soils including taking account of the presence of the best and most versatile agricultural land when siting new development. Soil function should be maintained as far as practicable through sustainable urban drainage systems, including amongst other things, the use of water-permeable treatments for hard surfaces, thus avoiding unnecessary soil compaction and paving over soil;
  • The creation of safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder or fear of crime does not undermine quality of life or community cohesion;
  • Active contribution to the national targets for reducing CO2 emissions set out in paragraph 8.3.

We will measure success with the assistance of the following indicators:

  • 75% of all completed dwellings to be within one mile of a railway/underground station or within 400 metres of a bus stop with daily services
  • National Indicator NI186 – per capita reduction in CO2 emissions in the local area
  • National Indicator NI197 – improved local biodiversity – proportion of local sites under positive conservation management

Delivery will be achieved via:

  • Development projects
  • Building regulations
  • Proactive work by the Council and stakeholders
  • Environmental improvements
  • Locations for development determined in this strategy
  • Delivery DPD
  • Planning applications/negotiations
  • Close liaison with key agencies, local communities and businesses
  • Appropriate use of the Council’s own land holding and land acquisition powers

For more information please see the Core Strategy for Chiltern District