Helpful planning advice for sustainable building applications

People submitting planning applications to West Suffolk Council are being helped to make their new property sustainable with a practical guide, including checklists, that also serves to demonstrate how their proposals comply with current planning policy.

The UK has the draftiest, least energy efficient housing in Europe. West Suffolk Council has published the practical guide to current planning policy and is indicating that adherence will be a material consideration in determining the planning application.

Last year in West Suffolk, (2021 to 2022), 865 new dwellings were completed through new build, change of use or conversion, with 257 being affordable.

David Roach, cabinet member for Planning, said: “This council declared an environment and climate emergency and we are working towards being carbon net zero by 2030. Ensuring delivery of sustainable homes is crucial.

“As a local planning authority we will apply planning policy to ensure new homes are built to adapt to climate change and where possible extensions to existing homes incorporate these measure that will benefit residents and our environment.

‘We are taking a really practical approach to this. We have tailored the Planning Advice Note for a householder applying for an extension and for a small housing scheme as well as for major developers. National planning guidance has a presumption in favour of sustainable development and this guide has all the signposting and advice to help show that a proposal is compliant.”

Applicants and agents who submit applications on behalf of clients are being notified of the Planning Advisory Note, which is also being shared with town and parish councils. Climate change and sustainable building planning advice note (westsuffolk.gov.uk)