Agenda item

This report specifically seeks direction from Committee on new development zero carbon policies for inclusion in the new Local Plan.

The report presented to committee sought direction from members on how they would like to progress with new development zero carbon policies for inclusion in the new Local Plan.

Following discussions with South West Energy and Environment Group (SWEEG) they advised that the greater benefit would be achieved by focussing on the issues around the supply chain and embedded carbon and referred to their work with Exeter City Council’s Local Plan.

The Assistant Director – Planning Strategy and Development Management advised Members that officer preference based on the advice from SWEEG would be to focus on savings that could be made from policies around embedded carbon and supply chain issues and sought Members advice on this.

It was highlighted to Members that if they choose to follow this route there was a potential issue in that there would be a requirement that all new development at the point of construction would require the installation of photovoltaics.

Questions raised by Members and discussions covered:

·       Clarification was sought on whether the report was seeking a preferred approach that would give the greatest impact on carbon omissions without compromising on viability considerations.  It was advised that a policy was needed that would produce the maximum carbon savings;

·       Do the recommendations cover house extensions and alterations and if not what can be done to tighten up energy efficiency for these?

·       There is a need to consider the future and demand items like water butts and grey water recycling to be provided for all new builds;

·       Clarification was sought on home insulation under the New Homes Standard and the requirement of solar panels and heat pumps.  Should the council be requiring a higher level of Building Regulation Standards?

Councillor Mike Howe proposed the recommendations with a slight amendment to Recommendation 1 which would encompass the demolition of buildings as this is when the most carbon emissions are generated.  This was seconded by Councillor Geoff Jung.

1.     That committee endorse a policy approach for either demolition and/or new development that places the emphasis on seeking to minimise carbon emissions during and through the demolition and/or construction phase of development.

Further comments included:

·       There is a need to encourage builders to buy in bulk/buy to scale;

·       There is a need to change the national mindset of making homes more energy efficient;

·       Reference was made to paragraphs 3.5 and 3.6 and clarification was sought about when a report would be brought to committee about Strategy 34.  In response it was proposed a report would be brought to committee close to November 2024 timescale.

During discussions Councillor Paula Fernley asked for a third recommendation for Strategic Planning Committee to write an open letter to the new Secretary of State about what we want to do at local level and what they should be doing at national level.  The proposer, Councillor Howe and seconder, Councillor Jung were happy to include this as a third recommendation.

The Chair also proposed a fourth recommendation in line with paragraph 3.24 that the Local Plan should require wherever possible all new development to be at least PV ready as a minimum standard.

The proposer, Councillor Howe sought clarification whether this referred to commercial development as well.  The Chair confirmed this would be for all development.

RESOLVED:

1.     That a policy approach for either demolition and/or new development that places the emphasis on seeking to minimise carbon emissions during and through the demolition and/or construction phase of development be endorsed.

2.     That a Local Plan policy approach that relies on application of building regulations in respect to future energy standards for construction, rather than one that seek to exceed these standards be endorsed.

3.     The Chair of Strategic Planning Committee write an open letter to the Secretary of State on behalf of the council highlighting concerns that local authorities cannot require standards that exceed Part L of Building Regulations under the written ministerial statement of the previous government and there is a need for this government to take measures to move to zero carbon development more quickly.

4.     That the Local Plan should require as a minimum that all new development should be photovoltaic ready.