Approach to climate change

Context

Tackling the climate emergency in Tamworth:

The planet is facing a climate crisis. There is overwhelming scientific consensus that increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are causing global temperatures to rise, with serious knock-on effects for our atmosphere, land and oceans. In response to this, the UK government has set a national target to vigorously pursue 'net-zero' carbon emissions by 2050.

Tamworth Borough council is supporting the transition to net zero; the authority declared a climate emergency in November 2019, followed by a nature recovery declaration in 2023, which commits to deep emissions reductions and embedding nature protection into all decision making. In January 2025, the council adopted a climate mitigation action plan and climate change adaptation strategy which provide the evidence base for climate actions required to reduce emissions and support local nature recovery.

As a local authority, Tamworth is well placed to understand community needs and opportunities to mitigate the impact of climate change. The council can influence emissions in buildings, transport, and waste, through partnerships with community organisations as well as planning capacities.

Tamworth’s geography and distance from the sea means the area experiences a greater range in annual temperatures compared to the rest of the UK. Climate change is expected to increase temperatures, resulting in milder winters and more rainfall which will impact communities in Tamworth, the infrastructure and the natural environment.

In July 2022, an intense heatwave in the UK saw record temperatures of over 40°C for the first time. These extreme heat events could also increase the risk of wildfires and drought as summer rainfall is expected to reduce. Our design policy includes actions for mitigating the impacts of extreme heat and water scarcity, including water efficiency measures and optimal cooling mechanisms.

In January 2024, floodwaters from the Anker and Tame rivers submerged several town centre car parks, cut off surrounding villages and closed highways. Flooding in Tamworth is likely to become more frequent and severe due to increased winter rainfall and potential increases in storms. Our flood risk policy addresses actions to be taken for minimising the risk and impact of flooding.

These long term, chronic changes will impact on natural habitats, and supply and demand in some sectors of the local economy. Our tree policy addresses actions to be taken such as increasing canopy coverage and planting the right native species in the right location, which will help reduce the impact of extreme weather.

Our proposed approach

Tackling climate change is a key objective of this local plan. Where relevant, policies will include measures for: protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment, ensuring effective use of land; improving biodiversity; using natural resources responsibly; minimising waste and pollution; and mitigating and adapting to climate change, supporting a low carbon, circular economy in Tamworth.

This strategic climate change policy seeks to ensure that new development contributes positively to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance with the objectives of the Climate Change Act 2008 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which requires the planning system to support the transition net zero. Proposals should align with current building regulations, in particular requirements relating to energy efficiency and low carbon buildings.