Comment
London comes to Bristol
Bristol City Council has recently released the latest iteration of the Bristol Local Plan review. This includes a significant enhancement of the sustainability policies which have been added as a result of the council declaring a Climate Emergency at the end of 2018. A brief review of these policies indicates that a framework similar to that in the current London Plan is proposed.
The consultation can be viewed here.
Key sustainability policy requirements set out (draft policies) are summarised below:
- Major non-residential development is expected to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating;
- Residential and mixed-use developments of more than 200 residential dwellings will require assessment using BREEAM Communities and achieve an Excellent rating;
- All new development (residential and non-residential) is required to achieve a minimum 35% reduction in carbon emissions through a combination of energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy generation;
- 100% of the residual regulated and un-regulated emissions are to be offset through either a financial contribution to carbon reduction schemes in the Bristol area, or a direct link to near-site provision. Financial contributions are set at a rate of £95 per tonne CO2 over 30 years;
- Heat will need to be provided through renewable energy systems (i.e. heat pumps), full electric heating will not be allowed;
- Development will need to assess potential of overheating using future climate conditions through thermal dynamic modelling.
These are significant enhancements on the existing policy framework, which although entirely laudable, present substantial technical and commercial challenges which must be supported with a robust evidence base. This should also generate substantial funds for Bristol Council to spend on carbon offsetting projects.
Should you wish to discuss any aspects of this policy with a member of the Turley Sustainability team please do not hesitate to contact us.
27 March 2019