Policy information sourced from the Islington Development Management Policies

DM7.3 Decentralised Energy Networks

All major developments are required to be designed to be able to connect to a Decentralised Energy Network (DEN). Minor new-build developments should be designed to be able to connect wherever reasonably possible.

Major developments located within 500 metres of an existing DEN, and minor new-build developments located within 100 metres, will be required to connect to that network, including provision of the means to connect to that network and a reasonable financial contribution to the connection charge, unless a feasibility assessment demonstrates that connection is not reasonably possible.

Major developments located within 500 metres of a planned future DEN, which is considered by the council likely to be operational within 3 years of a grant of planning permission, will be required to provide a means to connect to that network and developers shall provide a reasonable financial contribution for the future cost of connection and a commitment to connect via a legal agreement or contract, unless a feasibility assessment demonstrates that connection is not reasonably possible.

Where connection to an existing or future DEN is not possible, major developments should develop and/or connect to a Shared Heating Network (SHN) linking neighbouring developments and/or existing buildings, unless it can be demonstrated that this is not reasonably possible.

Where connection to an existing or future DEN is deemed possible under the above policy, major developments are required to detail a preferred energy strategy and an alternative energy strategy within their Energy Statements. The preferred energy strategy shall be based on connection to a DEN and shall be enacted, unless it is not reasonably possible to connect to a DEN, in which case the alternative energy strategy shall be enacted.

The council will support the development of decentralised energy networks and energy centres in principle, subject to meeting wider policy requirements, including on design (Policy DM2.1 and Policy DM2.3) and air quality (Policy DM6.1).

For more information please see the Islington Development Management Policies