AD1: Managing high temperatures

Policy Objective

This objective is concerned with managing high temperatures. Increases in temperature are expected across the UK, particularly in the south and east. There is also likely to be an increase in extreme events, including heatwaves. Rainfall can provide some relief to high temperatures though UKCP09 shows a decrease in summer precipitation levels.

The population and its assets will have a range of tolerance for high temperature so the vulnerability of different groups needs to be assessed. There may also be a considerable impact on habitats and biodiversity which should be considered. Overheating in buildings is already an issue in some areas or building types.

There is a range of adaptation measures which can help to manage high temperatures, including sustainable design and construction methods to minimise exposure to the risk and the provision of green infrastructure.

Overview of Tasks

1. Set a baseline
2. Assess opportunities to reduce risk and improve resilience

Climate Change PPS References

Key Planning Objective

All planning authorities should prepare, and manage the delivery of spatial strategies that:

secure new development and shape places that minimise vulnerability, and provide resilience, to climate change; and in ways that are consistent with social cohesion and inclusion; and
conserve and enhance biodiversity, recognising that the distribution of habitats and species will be affected by climate change; and
reflect the development needs and interests of communities and enable them to contribute effectively to tackling climate change.

Paragraph 24

When selecting land for development, planning authorities should take account of the ‘known physical and environmental constraints on the development of land... that could arise as a result of likely changes to the climate’. The contribution to be made from existing and new opportunities for open space and green infrastructure to urban cooling, sustainable drainage systems, and conserving and enhancing biodiversity should also be considered.