Defining spatial scale
Defining the scale that applies to a policy objective (e.g. city-wide, neighbourhood, building) helps ensure that risks, constraints and opportunities across all different spatial scales are considered in the development of the evidence base.
Understanding the range of policy objectives that are being considered at one particular scale helps you to identify potential crossovers in the evidence requirements. The nature of sustainable energy opportunities are such that the scale is usually clear in the policy objective, for example, area wide targets or stand-alone new renewable energy site targets clearly imply their relative scale.
Despite this, scale should be a consideration in developing an evidence base to support sustainable energy policy. The main issue in this respect is the affect of scale on the viability and feasibility of delivering policy requirements as, for example, some objectives may be far easier to deliver in a large mixed use development than a small, city infill project. It may therefore be worth considering the use of development scale thresholds in developing policy such that certain policy requirements are only enforced for developments of a certain size. This scale is typically defined by number of dwellings, or floor area of commercial buildings. The concept of scale is discussed in the case studies carried out in a study entitled ‘Supporting and Delivering Zero Carbon Development’ undertaken specifically for the South West region.
The use of scale is particularly relevant to adaptation; it directly shapes the evidence base and underpins policies.
TCPA’s Climate Change Adaptation by Design categorises adaptation opportunities according to three main spatial scales, described below.
Conurbation or catchment:
Climate change adaptation at this scale will potentially serve the whole city and is likely to include a variety of land uses.
Neighbourhood scale:
This scale involves developments of discrete groups of dwellings, including a mix of uses, and can vary in size from an individual block to a large estate. Consideration will need to be given to adapting the public realm and spaces between buildings and developments.
Building scale:
Smaller developments including individual dwellings, apartment blocks or commercial buildings provide opportunities for integrating climate change adaptation into or around buildings. Attention will need to be given to the design of the building, its surroundings, and how it is used and managed, in order to maximise current and future climate adaptation potential.
Clarity about the scale of the policy objective will also be helpful when translating evidence into policy and considering which delivery mechanisms are appropriate. For example, it may be appropriate to include a site specific energy policy in an area action plan or to work across administrative boundaries to deliver a flood risk management policy at the catchment scale.
