The National Planning Policy Framework (Section 10, paragraph 94), the 40-100 year lifespan of development and the fact that climate change predictions are locked in for the next 30-40 years means that all opportunities should be taken to incorporate adaptive capacity from the beginning of the development. The references to the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM are noted but these standards need to be supported by adaptation measures such as climate proofing through the use of green infrastructure assets. Specific measures associated with enhancing the natural environment/biodiversity adaptation to climate change can be expected to generate social, economic and cultural co-benefits as well as reduce the negative effects of climate change. Accordingly, the Document should include a requirement that all developments should address climate change through appropriate use of adaptation, mitigation and renewables. Ideally, this should be through addition of a new Policy to read,

'Policy - Addressing Climate Change
New or redevelopment will be considered acceptable, provided that:

I. It has considered climate change adaptation measures and technology from the outset including reduction of emissions, renewable and low carbon, passive design, and through green infrastructure techniques where appropriate.
II. That vulnerability to climate change impacts is minimised and that such development does not increase vulnerability to climate change impacts.
III. The potential effects of climate change on the development is taken into consideration, such as:
a. Water conservation and drainage
b. Need for summer cooling
c. Risk of subsidence
d. Flood risk from fluvial and surface water
IV. Associated activities adhere to local, regional and national targets for reducing carbon emissions.
V. Consideration of on-site small scale renewable or low-carbon technology where appropriate such as solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, small-scale wind turbine, photovoltaic cells, Combined Heat and Power etc.
VI. Measures to connect to off-site, decentralised energy networks (e.g. District Heating) either at commissioning or in the future are considered.'

To assist review development proposals for appropriate climate change measures, the District Council could use a checklist similar to that developed by Hertfordshire County Council by asking 'Has the building or development been designed to be resilient to the expected impacts of climate change (including flood risk) during the expected lifetime of the building(s)?'. An example of Hertfordshire Building Futures Adaptation Checklist can be found here:
http://www.hertslink.org/buildingfutures/16557273/16766291/