IT won't surprise most people who live in BCP area that the biggest carbon emitter in the conurbation is transport.

In BCP Council's consultation on the options for the Local Plan, officials have pledged an 'active approach' to reducing carbon emissions as part of a strategy aimed at tackling congestion.

As part of their climate change initiatives, BCP Council say they have pledged their commitment to reducing CO2 by declaring a climate and ecological emergency in 2019.

They say a plan of 153 climate change actions will be 'maintained'.

The issues and options document which is currently open for public comment until March 25 - an extension from the original March 7 deadline - said: "It should be noted that evidence shows that in the BCP area, transport forms the largest combined carbon emitting sector comprising approximately 47 per cent of total emissions, followed by homes (29 per cent) and industry (24 per cent).

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"We will take an active approach to reducing carbon emissions from transport as part of our Transport Strategy."

If the council were to set energy efficiency standards locally, the document says, this could include minimum requirements for development to provide renewable energy.

Alongside carbon emissions, the consultation also looks at the predicted rise in sea levels and the prospective impact of climate change.

"Our evidence shows that the main types of flooding in the BCP area occur from tidal and coastal flooding, rivers (fluvial), surface water (pluvial) and to a lesser extent groundwater flooding", the consultation document says.

Any exemptions to the strict tests to protect people from flooding at potential development sites, need to be informed by a strategic flood assessment.

BCP Council say they will be producing a new Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to replace those of the legacy authorities.

Other evidence is being prepared, including a new Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, a Shoreline Management Plan and Christchurch Town Centre Flood Risk Strategy.

"We know that both Christchurch and Poole town centres are at risk of flooding, predominantly from tidal and fluvial sources.

"However, we are exploring exemptions to see if development can be provided in these areas which will be safe for its lifetime.

"Bournemouth is currently less affected by tidal and fluvial flooding but has some surface water flooding issues where the drainage system is unable to accommodate intense rainfall events.

"The impacts of flooding are likely to be increased by climate change. The Local Plan can provide an opportunity to reduce surface water flooding through reduction in impermeable surfaces and ensuring the use of sustainable drainage systems in new development."

Read more: Council EXTEND Local Plan consultation after pressure from residents

The issues and options consultation is open to feedback, responses and alternative ideas until March 25.

Details can be found online at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/localplan. Residents can view the consultation online, download and print a PDF copy or pick up a summary paper survey from one of the council’s libraries.

Following the issues and options consultation, the council will produce a draft Local Plan, which would go out for public feedback.

The local authority currently expects to submit its Local Plan to the Secretary of State in spring next year before an independent planning inspector examines it in detail in autumn 2023.

If all of these hurdles are cleared, the policy document would be adopted and used to inform decisions on planning applications from early 2024.