Councilbosses say more emphasis should be placed on renewable energy in the South-East.

Brighton and Hove City Council is sending a message to SEERA, the South-East Regional Assembly, which is considering regional energy policy.

City environment councillor Gill Mitchell said: "The recent power cuts in London make this report especially timely.

"As a council we have a responsibility to encourage large developments to include energy-efficient materials and use renewable energy such as solar power.

"Organisations like ourselves should also incorporate high standards of energy efficiency in our development plans."

If adopted, the amended regional guidance would become part of Brighton and Hove's planning process.

When put into practice, the policy would help cut carbon dioxide emissions and produce more sustainable development plans and buildings.

New plans would have to address how to cut the overall demand for electricity or gas.

They would have to consider using renewable energy such as solar heating, geothermal heat pumps or wind power and look at energy-efficient design and building materials.

Wednesday September 3, 2003