Policy information sourced from the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan
DMSI 2 Energy, heat and carbon emissions
Carbon dioxide emissions
1.
The Council will expect major development to contribute to, and where possible exceed, the borough’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 by maximising energy efficiency and carbon reduction on-site. Major development will need to demonstrate the achievement of net-zero carbon buildings and neighbourhoods.
2.
Major development proposals are required to submit a detailed Energy Assessment, which provides information on measures that have been put in place to minimise energy demand and carbon savings that can be achieved. Energy Assessments should be consistent with, the most recent guidance from the GLA, demonstrating how the development has been designed in accordance with the energy hierarchy and relevant policies set out in Policy SI 2 of the London Plan 2021. Minor development proposals should also submit an Energy Strategy that is proportionate to the proposal, determined in consultation with the Council.
3.
Where it is clearly demonstrated that the zero-carbon target cannot be achieved on-site and there is a well-justified shortfall, applicants will be expected to make a financial contribution in agreement with the Council, either through a cash in lieu contribution to the Council’s Carbon Offset Fund, or agreement of sufficient alternative offsetting arrangements within the borough via planning obligations.
Connection to district energy networks
4.
All development proposals will be expected to:
- address an area’s energy infrastructure requirements, as identified in the Council’s latest Infrastructure Delivery Plan
- prioritise decentralised energy.
5.
All new major development proposals located within Heat Network Priority Areas, as set out by the GLA’s London Heat Map (or updated equivalent), are expected to adhere to the London Plan’s heating hierarchy, prioritising connection to local existing or planned heat networks in accordance with London Plan 2021 Policy SI 3.
Low carbon and renewable energy technologies
6.
Development proposals will be expected to maximise potential from low carbon and renewable energy technologies with minimal impact on the environment, amenity, affordability/operational costs and human health and wellbeing. They must demonstrate that the most appropriate and well-performing technologies are incorporated into new development and that any adverse effects on human health or the environment are avoided, or otherwise appropriately mitigated, including in respect of managing overheating risk and end user affordability.
Overheating risk
7.
All development proposals should minimise adverse impacts on the urban heat island effect through design, layout, orientation, materials and the incorporation of green infrastructure.
8.
All major development proposals will be expected to mitigate overheating risk (for example through orientation, shading, insulation, solar-controlled glazing, natural ventilation and efficient mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) and submit an Overheating Assessment in accordance with the requirements of policy SI 4 of the London Plan 2021 and the cooling hierarchy. This assessment must have regard to the Noise and Vibration Assessment in terms of managing both overheating risk and acoustics.
For more information please see the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan