If you are planning a new build, an extension or conversion of your home, then the changes to the building regulations are important.
Building regulations make sure that any work done on a property is up to a certain standard.
From 15 June changes to the nation-wide regulations aim to improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings across the UK. This will help the country move towards its target for net zero emissions.
The changes include:
- Ventilation: changes will help to improve air quality and ensure properties receive the necessary ventilation.
- Conservation of Fuel and Power: changes will primarily impact the energy efficiency requirements for buildings.
- Overheating: the new regulations aim to limit overheating in properties by introducing passive measures such as fitting shutters for shade and glazing design in new houses.
- Electric Vehicle Charging: new residential properties will require the installation of electric vehicle charging points.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
“We welcome these changes to national building regulations. They will considerably improve the energy efficiency of the buildings where we live, work and spend our free time. They are an important step in the UK’s journey towards a cleaner, greener built environment.”
To what degree will this stop developers putting up houses without the obvious low carbon features like PV on the roof and heat pump heating systems? There is a small premium to be paid for doing things well at the construction stage but this is far less than the cost of retrofitting within a short time of construction which is what will be needed for many properties currently being built if we are to meet our decarbonisation targets and get energy bills down.
Hi Erik – this is a national policy and from the 15 June will be included at the building regulations stage of new developments rather than planning. There is a really good explanation of the difference here https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/building-regulations/difference-between-building-regulations-and-planning-permission A national policy is the way to insist on these things, because a developer can appeal against local planning policy. Fiona
Has any attention been paid to the “Passivhaus” design from Germany as used by Norwich Council in 2019 for a development of 100 plus houses, resulting in very low energy costs? The development was recognised with an award from the RIBA. If this can be achieved in a LA housing project, why can it not be done nationwide?
You are an awful council Dorset council I am sick of all the building development especially around Parley Cross where I live. You have no compassion and the people making planning permission don’t even live with on the area. You cause traffic congestion and over building. I will no longer be voting for this council. I will be voting for the Green Party. I have given you a chance through local resident objections as we know the area and haw congrated you have made my home. You have not listed,you do not even live in my area. You do not have to suffer your awful consequence you bring on residents. I will be voting Green Party as I’m sick of Dorset council and your awful over crowding policy
Hi Julia – you are of course welcome to your opinion and your right to vote for whoever you choose. Planning policy is set by National Government it is called the National Planning Policy Framework and as a planning authority has to abide by this. If, and it has happened, that our councillors vote refuse permission against national policy then the developers can appeal and approval will be granted by the Secretary of State. Dorset Council also has a responsibility to ensure that Dorset’s economy thrives – this means allowing opportunities for local people to have houses and jobs, people who want to move to Dorset to have the same and to ensure that there are community facilities for health (working with NHS) and leisure for all our residents. FIona