Policy information sourced from Hampstead Neighbourhood Plan

DH3 Sustainable development

  1. Circular Economy Principles: The Plan supports circular economy principles such as reuse and refurbishment in preference to demolition and new construction. The Plan supports retrofitting existing buildings over new build by:
    • the sensitive retrofitting of energy efficiency measures and use of micro renewables. This includes listed buildings, where sited and designed to minimise impact on amenity and does not result in the loss of historic fabric or otherwise affect the significance of the building or its setting;
    • use of low embodied carbon materials and technologies, such as timber, timber products, lime, etc.
  2. Net Zero Carbon Development: The Plan supports net zero carbon development and expects all development to meet the highest environmental standards, while preserving the significance of any heritage asset:
    • development should reduce greenhouse gas emissions through minimising both annual and peak energy demand by following the steps of the Energy Hierarchy. The Plan requires major development to demonstrate how it achieves greenhousegas reduction targets at least equal to the New London Plan 2021 targets under Policy SI 2. Where this is not feasible after maximizing on-site reductions, developers will be required to make a cash-in-lieu contribution to Camden’s carbon offsetting fund, in line with the London Plan requirements;
    • all new build in major development schemes should achieve at least net zero carbon and will be encouraged to be net energy positive; c) conversions or extensions of 250sqm should aim to achieve operational net zero, i.e., no fossil fuels are used and all energy use has been minimised and generated by renewables.
  3. Sustainable Materials and Practices: The Plan expects the use of sustainable and local materials and water efficiency measure through:
    • prioritising sustainable materials (e.g. reused, recycled, and sustainably managed) to minimise the carbon footprint associated with transportation and ensuring responsible sourcing practices;
    • major new build should include a whole-life carbon assessment;
    • maintaining, restoring, and where possible, increasing permeable – in the sense of porous – surface areas. Applicants should slow water run-off, using a sustainable drainage system where appropriate, such as storm attenuation tanks;
    • aiming to exceed the Local Plan requirements to be water efficient by such measures as grey-water recycling, permeable paving, drought-resistant landscaping, and rainwater harvesting.
  4. Sustainable Design:
    • development should prioritise passive measures for managing solar gain such as window design, external shading, dual aspect units and layouts to provide natural ventilation;
    • cutting down trees or reducing tree canopy to facilitate renewable energy would not be supported;
    • the Plan supports sustainable and active travel over private car use;
    • where permission for a new flue is required, the Plan will not support the installation of wood burning stoves.

For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan