This discussion document sets out the findings of a study undertaken into the issue of Peak Oil and the implications for spatial planning.  It aims to promote discussion, raise awareness among transport and spatial planners of the issues around peak oil and suggest an agenda for action by professionals.  It is intended as an introduction and primer to the issue; further work will be necessary to develop a greater understanding of any of the facets of Peak Oil covered in this paper, and to develop the responses that UK planning professionals should be making to ensure that the concept is properly taken into account in future planning.

This paper refers to planning processes and procedures under the English system. However, the issues raised here are relevant across UK nations. Reference only to English examples should not be taken to mean that the implications for other nations have been ignored.

While the issue of Peak Oil impacts on all aspect of spatial planning, this document has a strong focus on transport, however we welcome discussion and comments on other areas of planning that it impacts upon.

All comments should be forwarded by e-mail to the Network
 

Summary Document: Peak Oil - Implications for Planning Policy

For more detail, research and background access the full discussion document

A discussion was held on the 17th January 2012.  Presentations and a short note are available.
Presentation by David Strahan
Presentation by Chris Ferrary
Information note
Many thanks to the speakers and Temple group for supporting the discussion.

We would like to thank ...

The paper has been edited by Chris Ferrary, former chair of the RTPI-TPS Transport Planning Network Advisory Group.  Key contributions have been received from network members and other interested individuals.  Thank you for all your hard work!

Much of the technical analysis reported in this paper (particularly Chapters 2, 3 and 4, and the appendix) is based on original work that was undertaken by transport consultants Steer Davies Gleave. The RTPI and TPS thank them for their kind permission to use this material.

Other information

ODAC: The Oil Depletion Analysis Centre

Short film: 'The Power of the Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil, directed by Faith Morgan (2006).

The Royal Academy of Engineering: Electric Vehicles - Charged with Potential (2010)

Warwickshire Council: Energy Policy/Carbon Management Action Plan

UK National Grid Status

Comments on the discussion document and the topic

Via LinkedIn, Chris Ferrary has started a poll, "following the launch of the RTPI Discussion Paper on Peak Oil, I was wondering whether planners (or indeed anyone else) think that, in terms of influencing spatial planning, this will be

• the biggest think in the next 20 years
• not make much difference ...?
   

Author:

Rhian Brimble

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

14-Feb-11

Categories:

 

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