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I have been advised that this FOI request is a matter for our Local Government Planning teams Fifteen Minute Cities enquiry, it has come to my attention that local governments are being approached and invited to consider “net zero” 15 minute communities as a means for protecting the environment I also understand that most (if not all) have signed up to consider the plans and i wish to understand more 1. Please confirm where these invitations to consider plans and/or implement said plans originate The 15 minute neighbourhood concept of planning neighbourhoods to give people the option of accessing key services locally within a short walk or cycle of their home was identified by the public through the consultations during the preparation of the Devon Carbon Plan. These consultations included a 3-month call for evidence, a series of themed hearings, a consultation on the Interim Devon Carbon Plan and a Citizens’ Assembly. The concept was explicitly identified in submissions from the public related to the topic of mobility during the call for evidence. These are at: Summary of submissions. And also from the public’s comments on the Interim Devon Carbon Plan. Their comments can be found at Full consultation report . This concept of making neighbourhoods more accessible is part of the Devon Carbon Plan. While the 15-minute cities concept is not a national planning policy, the principles of creating places that are accessible for everyone are clearly stated in the National Planning Policy Framework. Many people in Devon who live in smaller towns, city centres and in thriving villages, already live in 15-minute neighbourhoods, i.e. within 15 minutes walking and cycling distance of work, shops, education, leisure and other amenities. 2. How are Local Councils being invited to introduce 15 minute communities and how do they plan to consult with the public. The county council, the lower-tier councils (excluding West Devon Borough Council) and unitary councils in Devon have endorsed the Devon Carbon Plan, as key partners of the Devon Climate Emergency partnership. A list of organisations endorsing the Plan can be found at Devon carbon plan Any introduction of the key elements of accessible neighbourhoods, such as enhancements for active travel or new community buildings, would be subject to public consultation and whether they proceed or not would be subject to following the appropriate local democratic decision-making processes. 3. Please confirm which Government Minister or Department responsible for the proposed roll-out of 15 minute neighbourhoods 15-minute neighbourhoods are not national policy and are not being rolled-out by the Government. The National Planning Policy Framework, which advocates making neighbourhoods more accessible, is the responsibility of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Active Travel England, an executive agency of the Department for Transport, also has a role in supporting more accessible neighbourhoods with aims to increase walking, cycling and wheeling and support healthier, safer and carbon-neutral choices to get around. 4. Please explain how these proposed plans are presented to local Governments … i.e. on what basis/justification are these public plans being recommended See the answer to the first question. 5. Please provide copies of documents and/or minutes of meetings related to the consultation processes where possible See links in question 1. 6. My question is how and why the councils have unanimously signed up for this scheme, based on what evidence and research (and research paid for and collated by whom)? There is no 15 minute cities scheme that has been signed up to by Devon County Council; however, there have been numerous schemes implemented over several decades in Devon based around the principles of creating more accessible streets for walking and cycling and trying to create a more pleasant environment for residents. Examples have included introducing bollards in residential streets to enable passage for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport but restricting ‘through traffic’. 7. I ask for full details of the “national policy and guidance, within the legislation” which has been distributed to each local council for such decision making processes on behalf of the public. There is no national policy, guidance or legislation that has been distributed to local councils. While the 15-minute cities concept is not a national planning policy, the principles of creating places that are accessible for everyone are clearly stated in the National Planning Policy Framework. Please clarify whether I will need to contact my local council or any central government department , or clarify who IS in charge of this HUGE project? The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) may also be involved? 15-minute cities are not a local or national project. This is not about complaining, this is about the transparency of the public representation of Government at a local, national and international level, for a most important nationwide environmental initiative. |