Council Approved Almost 5000 Fossil Fuel Reliant Homes Since Declaring Climate Emergency

New data has shown that despite declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the council approved 4967 homes that exclusively relied on fossil fuels, including 92 council homes.

The council approved the Southwark Plan in 2022, which meant that emissions must be included in planning considerations, after which the number of fossil fuel reliant homes approved declined to zero.

However, local authorities are entitled to amend local plans earlier than the usual 5 yearly minimum, for a variety of reasons, including environmental considerations.

The Liberal Democrats say that waiting for 3 years to make the change after declaring a climate emergency demonstrates that the council do not take their role in tackling climate change seriously.

Commenting, environment spokesperson Cllr Graham Neale said:

“Household emissions make up a massive part of Southwark’s footprint. Whilst I’m pleased that there are no longer any fossil fuel reliant homes being approved, the fact it took 3 years to bring the change in and there are 5000 more fossil fuel reliant homes than there could have been is a damning indictment on the council’s climate record.”