To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many developments in Greater London have been built with onsite renewable energy as a result of the Merton planning rule; and what the average change has been in the level of carbon dioxide emissions attributable to such a development. (159343)

The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations she has received from the Greater London Assembly on the future of the Merton planning rule; and if she will make a statement. (159385)

The Greater London Assembly responded to the draft Planning Policy Statement: ‘Planning and Climate Change’ that was published for consultation in December 2006. Their response welcomed the proposal that local planning authorities should ensure that a significant proportion of the energy supply of substantial new development is gained on-site and renewably and/or from a decentralised, renewable or low-carbon, energy supply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on what date the London Borough of Merton adopted its planning rule requiring onsite renewable energy; and how many appeals there have been by developers against decisions under that rule since its adoption. (159386)

The policy that

“all new non residential developments above a threshold of l,000 sq m will be expected to incorporate renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10 per cent. of predicted energy requirements”

was adopted by the London borough of Merton in October 2003 in its Unitary Development Plan. Since the Plan was adopted three appeals relating to major developments have been received by the Planning Inspectorate following refusals by the London borough of Merton. According to our records none of these appeals were against decisions under the on-site renewables policy.