1. Applications for new development involving the erection or conversion of a building should demonstrate how sustainability has been incorporated into the design, construction, and operation of the development.

2. Proposals for new development shall demonstrate how the scheme has adopted a ‘fabric first’ approach to sustainable design, by incorporating energy efficiency measures into new buildings.

3. New dwellings should be built to ensure that wholesome water consumption is not greater than 110/litres/person/day.

4. Non-residential development, where appropriate and technically feasible and viable, should meet BREEAM Technical Standard (2018) Very Good rating including addressing maximum water efficiencies under the mandatory water credits.

5. Proposals for new non-domestic buildings should achieve BREEAM Very Good for energy credits where appropriate and technically and financially viable. Should BREEAM be replaced, or any national standards increased, then this requirement will also be replaced by any tighter standard appropriate to the borough.

6. All developments will be expected to incorporate 10% on-site renewable or low carbon energy production where appropriate. This shall be measured as a percentage of overall consumption.

7. Where possible new development should be designed and orientated so as to ensure that it responds to or allows for future adaptation to the impacts of climate change over its lifetime.

8. New development proposals shall incorporate into the fabric of the building bird, bat and bee habitats, and shall provide the planting of native tree and shrub species, wildflower grasses, and habitats for insects and invertebrates where appropriate.

9. All development where on-site renewable energy is provided will be expected to incorporate battery energy storage where feasible.

For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038