LUC, working with Ricardo, supported Mid Sussex District Council to embed climate change action into the emerging Local Plan. We undertook technical analysis and provided specialist advice on net-zero policy wording, covering carbon sinks and stores.

Our work ensures planning policy contributes meaningfully to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the district.

We explored how planning policies could reduce emissions in new developments and support net-zero goals. This involved stakeholder engagement workshops and in-depth analysis of technical building standards.

Our work formed part of the council’s net-zero evidence base for the District Plan.

We advised on policies to protect and enhance carbon sinks and stores, such as soils and woodlands. We also addressed how the plan could manage non-CO₂ greenhouse gases.

We explained complex issues in clear terms through two short topic papers.

We reviewed stakeholder representations on climate policy wording and provided clear, evidence-based responses. This helped the council refine policies and maintain transparency through the plan-making process.

Our work shows how to turn climate ambitions into practical Local Plan policies.