Energy

319. The production and consumption of energy is a vital part of the daily life of all Hampshire residents. Currently most energy needs are met through the burning of fossil fuels, either coal, gas or oil, the great majority of which is currently imported to the county. A by-product of burning these fuels is the production of carbon dioxide and other gases.

320. A rise in the level of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere is, together with rising concentrations of other gases, contributing to the increase in average global temperatures on the earth's surface. There are also health concerns, such as the rising incidence of asthma.

321. Planning policies can contribute towards the long-term reduction of energy consumption by locating new development closer to the people it serves and where it can use existing and planned future infrastructure, including public transport.

E3 When considering development proposals and in the preparation of local plans, local planning authorities will take into account the contribution that the relationship between land uses and transportation can make to reducing the demand for energy.

322. One of the most significant uses of energy is travel by the private motor vehicle. By locating new development close to trip-generating uses, and to public transport routes, movements by foot, cycle and public transport should be encouraged, which should lead to a decline in the growth of the number of private car movements, thus reducing the growth in demand for energy.

323. The implementation of measures to meet modal split targets within integrated transport strategies and transport plans associated with development proposals can contribute towards reducing energy use.

E4 In considering the siting, design, layout and orientation of new development, local planning authorities will take account of the need to maximise energy efficiency.

324. Minimising the energy needs of buildings is an important way of reducing the consumption of energy. The energy efficiency qualities of a development will be a material consideration for local planning authorities in determining a planning application.

E5 In considering proposals for energy generation from renewable sources which make a material contribution towards meeting Hampshire's energy needs, particular attention will be paid to:

(i) the immediate and wider impact of the proposed development on the landscape;

(ii) the need to protect features and areas of natural beauty, and sites of ecological, cultural, scientific, historical and archaeological significance;

(iii) the measures that would be taken, both during and after construction, to minimise the impact of development on local land use and amenity;

(iv) the local and wider benefits that the proposal might bring.

325. Renewable energy is defined as energy generated from naturally regenerating sources - from the sun, wind, oceans, plants and water. It also includes energy available from wastes and from within the earth.

326. The authorities support the Government's policy to stimulate the development of new and renewable energy sources wherever they have prospects of being economically attractive and environmentally acceptable in order to contribute to:

· secure and sustainable energy supplies;

· a reduction in the emission of pollutants; and

· the encouragement of internationally competitive industries.

327. New and renewable energy sources can potentially contribute to energy needs in a significant way. Renewable energy sources offer the hope of increasing diversity and security of supply and of reducing harmful emissions to the environment. The best opportunities for renewable energy projects currently lie with energy from waste, biomass (including short rotation coppicing), sewage sludge and small-scale wind schemes.

328. There are, however, local environmental consequences for all renewable projects which must be weighed against the national interest of producing clean energy. Proposals for developing renewable energy sources will therefore need to consider the immediate impact of such projects on the local environment while having regard to Government policy and to the fact that renewable energy schemes can have particular locational constraints (since, in many cases, the resource can only be harnessed where it occurs).