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How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
Read the Climate Change topic paper , Natural Environment Topic Paper and Carbon Impact Assessment supporting document for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Read the Climate Change topic paper , Natural Environment Topic Paper and Carbon Impact Assessment supporting document for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.133 Adopted policy SCR6 currently sets limits on space heating and energy consumption in new build residential dwellings. The policy also requires energy needs to be met through on-site renewable energy to match total energy use.
9.134 The policy applies to all residential development including PBSA and care homes, but does not apply to extensions, conversions and other changes of use.
9.135 The Local Plan provides an opportunity to review how the policies are being implemented and to consider the option of setting stricter standards for space heating and energy use.
National policy changes
9.136 On the 13 December 2023 the DLUHC released a Written Ministerial Statement that discourages local authorities from setting their own standards with regards to energy efficiency in homes and setting out the desired approach for sustainable construction policies. The statement specifies the metric to be used for any locally set policies should be as follows:
9.137 The additional requirement is expressed as a percentage uplift of a dwelling’s Target Emissions Rate (TER) calculated using a specified version of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP).
9.138 In addition, DLUHC are currently consulting on the Future Homes Standards which looks at changing building regulations and introducing new requirements for residential development. The aim is for new residential buildings to be ‘zero carbon ready’, meaning that no further work will be needed for them to have zero carbon emissions once the electricity grid has decarbonised. The standards will require heating and hot water demand to be met through low-carbon sources and fossil fuel methods will not be permitted.
9.139 The consultation proposes minimal changes in fabric standards from Building Regulations Part L 2021, with only option number one proposing a slight improvement in air tightness. The proposed option one includes the installation of wastewater heat recovery systems, decentralised mechanical extract ventilation and solar PV panels to cover the equivalent of 40% of ground floor area. Option two proposes none of these changes. The consultation does not state a preferred option.
9.140 The proposed changes rely on the electricity grid becoming decarbonised for new buildings to achieve zero carbon emissions and therefore, it is still considered that a policy on sustainable construction is required.
9.141 The first option listed below will seek to retain the current policy and not adjust the existing standards.
9.142 The second option looks at setting stricter standards for space heating and energy use, whilst continuing to require energy needs to be met on site through renewables.
9.143 The third option would alter the metric used from space heating and energy use intensity to a % carbon reduction from the target emission rate of the building as assessed by the standard assessment procedure (SAP) and as referenced in the recent Written Ministerial Statement. This option will also explore the addition of requiring no use of on-site fossil fuels.
Option A
Retain the existing standards as set out in policy SCR6.
Advantages of Option A
The current policy requires a good energy efficiency standard on operational emissions.
Disadvantages of Option A
Other LPAs are now seeking to set stricter standards and not changing the standards will mean that new homes will not be as efficient as they could be.
Option B
Revise the standards to state the following:
- Space heating demand less than 15kWh/m2/annum
- Total energy use less than 35kWh/m2/annum
- On site renewable energy generation to match the total energy use, with a preference for roof mounted solar PV
- Connection to a low- or zero-carbon district heating network where available
Retain the options for offsetting where energy needs cannot be met on site.
Advantages of Option B
The policy will result in warmer more efficient homes and will contribute to addressing the climate emergency. The proposal is in line with other West of England authorities.
Disadvantages of Option B
- The introduction of stricter standards may increase the cost of the development to the detriment of other requirements such as affordable housing. Viability will need to be tested.
- May not align with the Witten Ministerial Statement.
Option C
Require a 100% reduction in carbon emissions from the target emission rate as outlined in the Standard Assessment Procedure. No use of on-site fossil fuels.
Advantages of Option C
Closely aligns with the requirements of the Written Ministerial Statement.
Disadvantages of Option C
Percentage carbon metric is not as accurate as space heating and EUI targets.
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