Every planning application that comes before the town council will be measured against five environmental issues where thought appropriate.
Peter La Broy, Cornwall Councillor and Bude-Stratton town councillor, who led the proposal said: “This is a landmark decision as it brings a spotlight to the work of the planning committee in considering our local environment.
“I have been wondering for some time how we can support local green initiatives that Bude is so well known for.
“I am thrilled that the town council is leading on this as it confirms Bude’s position as a progressive, forward-thinking town that is providing leadership on environmental issues.”
A letter will be sent from the committee to Phil Mason (Cornwall chief planning officer) notifying that these requests will in future be attached to all planning applications that are thought to be suitable.
Mayor Bob Willingham, chairman of the planning committee, said: “We hope this can bring a long-term change in thinking about how we develop our town.We also hope that we can persuade Cornwall Council to adopt these planning considerations right across Cornwall.”
The Bude Green Five are:
• Rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling to be incorporated;
• Local, sustainable building materials to be used where possible;
• Photovoltaic generation and diverter (to provide heated water) to be included;
• Any hardstanding to be of permeable materials;
• Renewable heat source (i.e ground source heat pump) to be used.