2.18 In the case of existing buildings the Sustainable Construction Checklist SPD currently requires a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions on proposals for existing buildings of medium scale or higher (5 dwellings or 500m2). It is proposed to amend the policy CP1 to reflect this. There is also an option to increase this requirement to a 20% reduction.
2.19 The Council will seek to encourage and enable the sensitive retrofitting of energy efficiency measures and the appropriate use of micro-renewables in historic buildings (including listed buildings and buildings of solid wall or traditional construction) and in conservation areas, whilst safeguarding the special characteristics of these heritage assets for the future. Proposals will be considered against national planning policy.
2.20 The Sustainable Construction Checklist Supplementary Planning Document currently sets a benchmark for carbon reduction.
2.21 Available evidence suggests that Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) are more often in poor condition than other types of housing in the same area. The English Housing Survey suggests HMOs are often old, solid wall properties with low levels of insulation and sometimes expensive electric heating systems. In line with the suggested amendments to Policy H2 and Policy H2A below, requiring applications for change of use to HMO to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of “C” or higher is being considered.
Consultation Reference DM3
Amendments to Policy CP1
Option 1: Introduce a requirement that regulated carbon emissions are reduced by 10% from a baseline of Part L through use of renewable energy.
Option 2: Introduce a requirement that regulated carbon emissions are reduced by 20% from a baseline of Part L through use of renewable energy.
The above policies could continue to apply to proposals for existing buildings, and the scale and type of proposal covered by the policy is being considered. Currently it is for development of a medium scale or higher (5 dwellings or 500m2).
Applications for change of use to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are required to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate “C” rating or above. An option for a financial contribution or fabric improvements is being considered if, due to the nature of the building, the renewable energy requirement cannot be met onsite.A heat hierarchy policy expects proposals to use renewable heat sources (e.g. ground and air sourced heat pumps and solar thermal panels) whilst referencing the opportunities for heat networks in the areas set out in Policy CP4.