New building guidelines have come into force in one West London borough to ensure all new developments generate a lower demand for energy and put renewable energy above carbon-heavy options.
Developers looking to build in Kensington and Chelsea will need to show how their plans protect local environments.
Applicants will need to show they have considered refurbishing and retrofitting existing buildings before demolition and rebuilding, which can have a worse environmental impact.
The move comes as the Council announces targets to cut air pollution, tackle climate change, reduce waste, boost nature and help those living in fuel poverty.
A £10m Council fund has been announced to support green initiatives over the next 10 years, with the first projects to be revealed this summer.
The Council will be starting with their own properties, having recently successfully bid for £20m in government funding to retrofit the Lancaster West estate in North Kensington. are being considered.
Changes have already been made to windows and insulation to help bring down energy bills for tenants.
Lead Member for Environment, Planning and Place Cllr Johnny Thalassites, said:
“Protecting the environment for the future is going to be down to us all – the actions of every business, developer and resident will play be crucial. We want to make it easier and clearer which is why we’re setting new standards for developers building in the borough to favour renewable and low energy projects. In time it will mean new skills and new jobs too, as the market for retrofitting grows.
“It’s a challenge but we know it can be done and we’re starting at home, with a £20m retrofit to make homes on our Lancaster West estate more energy efficient and reduce bills for residents.”
The Council’s Leadership Team approved recommendations for the Greening Supplementary Planning Document for planning applications and the Green Plan at last week’s leadership team meeting, with the final guidance being published today, National Clean Air Day.
The Council’s Green Plan sets out targets to:
- Reduce carbon emissions across the Council’s own estates and operations to achieve the Council’s net zero carbon target by 2030.
- Reduce emissions of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, meeting National Air Quality objectives and working towards World Health Organisation guideline values.
- Protect and improve local habitats, ensuring that all new development provides at least a 10 per cent net gain in biodiversity from 2022 onwards.
- Develop local Green jobs, through initiatives such as retrofitting homes, installing solar panels and developing green technologies.
- Reduce how much we throw away, cutting household waste per head by 9kg by April 2022.
