05_Policy_Sustainability and Building Health

5.5 Sustainability and Building Health 5.0 Masterplan Framework

The policy on Sustainability and Building Health aims to position Basildon Town Centre as a leader in responsible, low-impact development. Its prominent and well-connected location provides an ideal opportunity to set a benchmark for environmentally sustainable development.

Central to this approach is the commitment to integrating sustainable solutions from the outset of projects, across all aspects of design. A proactive approach eliminates the need for costly retrofits, ensures sustainability targets are met, reduces energy costs for occupiers and business owners, and safeguards the health and well-being of Basildon’s residents and workers.

Park Hill, Sheffield (Mikhail Riches), takes a lighttouch retrofit approach, celebrating the Grade II* listed structure while thoughtfully updating it to modern standards. Photo: Tim Crocker

A biosolar roof is the combination of biodiverse and extensive green roofs with photovoltaic systems, delivering environmental advantage and sustainable energy production.

The Canal Building, Islington (Child Graddon Lewis) underwent a retrofit of a derelict 1930s Art Deco warehouse, once in severe disrepair. The transformation created 35 apartments, 45 live/work units, and 1,100 sqm of commercial space, sparking significant local regeneration.

Agar Grove, Camden (Hawkins\Brown and Mae) part of the largest estate regeneration scheme in the UK to aim for the Passivhaus standard. Photo: Jim Stephenson

6 Orsman Road, Hackney (Waugh Thistleton Architects) is a six storey cross laminated timber hybrid office exploring the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle. Photo: Ed Reeve

Goldsmith Street, Norwich (Mikhail Riches) External shading to reduce overheating Photo: Tim Crocker

Policy: Sustainability and Building Health

Basildon Town Centre will address climate, ecological, and public health challenges headon. Its visible and well-connected position makes it an ideal location to set a benchmark for responsible, low-impact development across the borough. This regeneration will be in accordance with Local Plan Policies CC1, CC2, CC4, CC5 and CC6:

a. Implement passive design principles, including a Fabric First approach to building design, focusing on optimising orientation, form-factor, window-to-wall ratios, air tightness, and solar shading, to minimise energy demand and improve internal comfort;

b. Use low-embodied carbon materials that complement the Town Centre's existing materials. These will align with the principles set out in Policy CC4 focusing on minimising environmental impact without compromising architectural quality;

c. Provide sufficient daylight, sunlight and privacy to new and surrounding housing that is appropriate for its context, whilst avoiding overheating and minimising overshadowing;

d. Design for optimal internal environmental conditions, addressing temperature regulation, humidity, ventilation and acoustics for enhanced air quality and occupant health;

e. Support circular economy principles by encouraging the reuse of materials, reducing waste, and designing for longevity, ensuring that buildings are adaptable and can be easily refurbished or repurposed; and

f. Take measures to reduce the performance gap, which refers to the difference between a building’s expected performance (based on design and standards) and its actual performance once occupied. This can be achieved through alternative routes to meeting policy requirements, in accordance with Local Plan Policies CC4, such as through Passivhaus certification.