Energy Efficiency in New Buildings

including allowing for climate change effects. It also demonstrates that flood risk elsewhere will not be exacerbated by increased levels of surface water runoff, and that these measures will not threaten natural habitats and water systems d. its design includes, as appropriate, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) with ongoing maintenance provision, other surface water management measures and permeablesurfaces e. it does not increase the risk of flooding to thirdparties f. proposed SuDS infrastructure includes, where practicable, habitat creation comprising e.g. landscaping, access and egress for aquatic and terrestrial animals, and native species planting g. it takes the effects of climate change into account.

Energy efficiency of new buildings

The energy efficiency standards for new housing and existing buildings are set out in Approved Document Part L of the Building Regulations, which have become increasingly stringent since 2002.

In 2015 the Government streamlined the requirements set by different councils in respect of housing development and cancelled the Code for Sustainable Homes assessment regime, so that developments just need to comply with the Building Regulations, meaning that neighbourhood plans could not require more stringent standards in respect of the energy efficiency of new housing than are required to meet such Regulations. The Parish Council aspire to requiring a limit of 110 litres per day

The intention previously was that the Building Regulations would be modified so as to require all new dwellings to be carbon neutral. However, the Government subsequently announced that it did not intend to proceed with the zero carbon homes scheme.

It is still possible, however, to include supportive statements in neighbourhood plans in relation to the energy efficiency of new developments.

POLICYCC2:ENERGYEFFICIENTBUILDINGS-Thedesignandstandardofanynewdevelopmentshould aim to meet a high level of sustainable design and construction and be optimised for energy efficiency, targeting zero carbon emissions. This includes, where practical and subject to viability:

a) siting and orientation to optimise passive solargain;

b) the use of high quality, thermally efficient buildingmaterials;

c) installation of energy efficiency measures such as loft and wall insulation and double glazing;

d) reducing water consumption until a target of 110 litres per day is achieved, and increasing water reclamation;

e) non-residential developments should aim to meet the Buildings Research Establishment BREEAM building standard ‘excellent’;

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