Policy information sourced from the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan - Core Strategy

CS10 : Sustainable development

Development will:

  1. Make efficient use of land, giving priority to previously developed land and buildings within the builtup areas.
  2. Be at an appropriate density, taking account of and respecting the character of the local area and levels of accessibility and services.
  3. Contribute to the creation of neighbourhoods which are supported by effective services, infrastructure and transport options and which are designed to be safe, secure and socially inclusive.
  4. Protect and enhance the green fabric, and respect and contribute to the borough’s green infrastructure network.
  5. Respect the ecological and cultural heritage of the borough including the historic environment.
  6. Minimise the need to travel, whilst increasing opportunities to walk, cycle or use public transport, including as part of the green infrastructure network.
  7. Minimise the use of natural resources and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions by re-using existing resources, maximising energy efficiency, minimising water use, and reducing the production of waste, including through sustainable construction methods. Encourage renewable energy/fuel production whilst ensuring that adverse impacts are addressed, including on landscape, wildlife, heritage assets and amenity.
  8. Be designed to minimise pollution, including air, noise and light, and to safeguard water quality.
  9. Be designed reflecting the need to adapt to the impacts of climate change (for example higher temperatures, increased flooding, increased pressure on water resources, impacts on ecology and built heritage and impacts on ground conditions).
  10. Be located to minimise flood risk, through the application of the Sequential Test and where necessary the Exception Test, taking account of all sources of flooding including fluvial, surface water, sewer and pluvial flooding, and reservoir failure, and manage flood risk through the use of SuDS and flood resistant/resilient design features, and where necessary provide floodplain compensation.

The criteria within this policy, along with policy CS6, will guide the allocation of sites through the DMP.

This policy will be implemented through:

  • DMP policies, including policies on design and amenity.
  • Use of the SFRA to inform site allocations, and flood risk assessments for specific development proposals.
  • Green Infrastructure Strategy.
  • Design and Parking SPD.
  • Sustainability self-assessment.
  • Consideration and determination of planning applications and appeals.

Indicators used to monitor this policy will include:

  • The reuse of previously developed land and the efficient use of sites.
  • Development within areas of flood risk
  • Monitoring indicators associated with policy CS11.

Evidence base:

  • Sustainability Appraisal
  • Landscape and Townscape Character Assessment
  • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

For more information please see the Reigate & Banstead Core Strategy