The Local Planning Authority will encourage appropriate energy conservation and efficiency measures in the design of all new development. Such measures could include site layout and building orientation, natural light and ventilation, air tightness, solar shading, reducing water consumption and increasing water recycling in order to contribute to the reduction in their total energy consumption.

Opportunities for decentralised energy networks will be encouraged and promoted where possible and where they conform to other Local Plan policies, in order to reduce carbon emissions.

All new dwellings shall meet the Building Regulations optional requirement for water efficiency of 110 litres/person/day.

All planning applications for new residential dwellings shall include renewable and low carbon energy technology to provide at least a 19% improvement in energy performance over the requirements of the Building Regulations (2013) unless:

For more information, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.