Policy information sourced from the Combined Policies of Epping Forest District Local Plan (1998) and Alterations (2006).

CP5 Sustainable Building

Planning permission may be refused for proposals which the Council believes do not do enough to conserve energy, make the most efficient use of water and other resources, recycle waste or protect environmental features and local amenities. Where possible, proposals for new development, or for the conversion or re-use of sites and buildings should incorporate measures which:

  1. reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. heat recovery, passive solar gain, cycle parking/storage, links with footpath and cycle networks to encourage sustainable transport);
  2. minimise overall energy use and input of raw materials (e.g. building form, orientation, thermal mass, fenestration, natural ventilation, landscaping to create shelterbelts, use/re-use of construction materials);
  3. encourage efficient use of water and recycling of waste (e.g. enable use of greywater and collection of rainwater, incorporation of water efficient appliances within the development, provision of facilities and space for waste recycling and composting);
  4. incorporate renewable energy facilities or schemes;
  5. adopt methods to protect wildlife habitats, trees and other landscape features during construction and which minimise disturbance to adjoining landowners and local amenities.

The Council may require that proposals for new development, or for the conversion or re-use of sites or buildings, demonstrate in a ‘Sustainability Report’ how various aspects of sustainability (including those in criteria (1) to (5) above) have been taken into account. The report should address the siting, massing, design, orientation and layout of development, and the construction and life-cycle of buildings.

For more information, please see the Combined Policies document