Sustainability statement

For developments of 5 dwellings or over (including apartments) and all non-residential developments over 500 square metres gross internal floor space, we require a Sustainability Statement to be submitted as part of a valid planning application. It can either form part of the Design and Access Statement or be a separate document.

Sustainability information required

Sustainability needs to be considered at the beginning of the design process. 5 key questions, which should be addressed by the Statement, are outlined within Sheffield’s Sustainability toolkit.

The Sustainability Statement should:

• be brief and to the point
• demonstrate the environmental benefits and impacts of any proposal
• outline how the proposals address the 5 key questions in Sheffield’s Sustainability toolkit - Does the development:

1. Support and help revitalise the local economy?
2. Reinforce Sheffield's neighbourhoods and communities?
3. Provide a range of transport options and inclusive access?
4. Protect and enhance Sheffield's natural environment and resources?
5. Integrate high quality design and construction?

Reference should also be made to the Sheffield Plan, with particular attention to:

• Policy CS 64 Climate Change, Resources and Sustainable Design of Developments
• Policy CS 65 Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction

In addition, following the agreement of a full Council resolution in November 2021, we also require Sustainability Statements to directly address these questions:

a) What measures will be utilised to limit the carbon consumed through the construction phase? Examples could include reusing existing on-site materials and/or sourcing materials locally.

b) What measures will be taken to utilise renewable or low carbon energy sources in the construction phase and post occupation.

c) What measures will be taken to reduce potential impacts of flooding associated with the proposed development? Examples could include using permeable materials and/or soakaways.

d) What measures will be taken to promote biodiversity in your proposed development?

Please note if information in relation to c) and d) is provided elsewhere in your supporting documents reference could simply be made to this in responses.

Sustainable drainage

We actively promote Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as the preferred method for managing surface water and are a key requirement of the sustainability statement. 

The Government has made clear that the development management system is expected to secure sustainable drainage systems for the management of run-off for Major developments (10 dwellings or more or equivalent non-residential or mixed development), unless demonstrated to be inappropriate.

Applicants are advised to refer to the Climate Change and Design SPD and practice guide, and provide sufficient detail to ensure:

• minimum standards of operation
• on-going maintenance over the lifetime of the development

Background to this information requirement

The purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, which has economic, social and environmental dimensions.

It is important that all new development is sustainable when measured against these three dimensions, to help the city realise its ambitions and obligations in relation to sustainable development and climate change.