The Council requires that all new development is designed to:

1. Increase its resilience to impacts of climate change;

2. Take full advantage of opportunities to incorporate renewable energy technologies;

3. Reduce carbon emissions; and

4. Achieve the higher water efficiency standard of 110 litres per person per day.

All major developments of 10 or more dwellings or 1000sqm or more of non-domestic and commercial uses, must also provide a Sustainability Statement. This will be required to demonstrate:

5. A reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by at least 10%, based on emissions rates determined by Part L of the Building Regulations applicable at the time of the application;

6. How opportunities to use renewable and low carbon sources have been maximised;

7. The minimisation of water usage to achieve the higher water efficiency standard of 110 litres per person per day as a minimum for residential development and the BREEAM ‘very good’ standards for water efficiency for all other development;

8. A water sensitive approach to the design and the incorporation of measures, such as grey water recycling and water butts, that further promote water efficiency and aim to achieve water neutrality;

9. How the performance gap between built and designed energy use will be negated;

and

10. Incorporate adaptation measures to achieve flood resilience to impacts of climate change.

All major developments will also be required to submit a post construction verification report to confirm that the development has been delivered to the approved specification.

The Council will support developments that can demonstrate high quality sustainability standards that go beyond the Building Regulations requirements and achieve certification to voluntary standards such as PassivHaus, BREEAM Excellent, or the Home Quality Mark.

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan