About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
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.
9.149 Adopted policy SCR8 introduced the concept of embodied carbon assessments. Embodied carbon emissions are those associated with raw material extraction, manufacture and transport of building materials, construction, maintenance, repair replacements, dismantling, demolition and eventual material disposal.
9.150 Policy SCR8 required an embodied carbon assessment on sub-structures, super-structures and finishes. A target of 900kgCO2e/m2 was set to be required on large scale new build development.
9.151 The standard in the LPPU was is relatively to reach and was seen as a cost neutral approach in order to introduce the concept of embodied carbon assessments. There is now an opportunity through the Local Plan to set a stricter standard and broaden the reach of the policy.
Option A
Retain the existing standards of the policy but broaden the scope of the policy to include all new major and minor applications.
Advantages of Option A
The current target is easy to reach and does not impact on the viability of development.
Disadvantages of Option A
As the standard is easy to reach the policy will not encourage developments to use more sustainable materials.
Option B
Alter the standards to require an embodied carbon assessment on major and minor development and require development to achieve the following standards on the sub-structures, superstructures and finishes.
- Residential (4 storeys or fewer) - <625 kgCO2e/m²
- Residential (5 storeys or greater) - <800 kgCO2e/m²
- Non-residential schemes - <900 kgCO2e/m²
Advantages of Option B
The proposed standards will require that more sustainable materials are used in construction.
Disadvantages of Option B
Setting stricter standards may impact on the viability of development and impact on other measures such as affordable housing.
Option C
Where an application is seeking to demolish a building the applicant is required to demonstrate why it is not suitable for re- use. If the building is not suitable for re use the applicant must demonstrate how they will reuse and recycle materials created through the demolition.
Advantages of Option C
Buildings will only be demolished and materials disposed of as a last resort.
Disadvantages of Option C
Setting stricter standards may impact on the viability of development and impact on other measures such as affordable housing.