"Meeting net-zero standards will block housebuilders", the Tories said. "Nope - it doesn't", our research says. Alex McCann and our team have been crunching the numbers across three ambitious local authorities to establish the true impact of having sector-leading net-zero plans: Cornwall Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Central Lincolnshire. 🏘️ Read the full piece here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gmAY9e9j In a nutshell: 🌊 Cornwall Council: after the council adopted its progressive Development Plan Document in June 2023, applications for planning permission for new housing increased by 8.5%, 🏛️ Bath & North East Somerset Council: after the council adopted its DPD in January 2023, accepted residential applications increased by 7.7% 🏙️ Central Lincolnshire: applications approved for major residential projects saw no big change, however, applications for minor housing projects were reduced (more on this in our blog). More research is needed across a larger sample size to be confident about our preliminary findings and the conclusions that can be drawn. But still, these are encouraging signs that energy-based net-zero policies needn’t be a barrier to delivering new homes at scale. And given the vanishing window we have left to prevent catastrophic climate and nature breakdown, this research is needed urgently to drive forward innovation and calm nerves in the industry. For now, this is a slice of good news for the 250+ industry leaders that signed our recent campaign calling for a better Future Homes Standard to help the UK meet its legally binding net-zero targets and lower household energy bills. Signatories included Good Homes Alliance, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and LETI 👉 https://lnkd.in/gAV7beYr We hope and expect that the new Labour Government will strengthen the proposed Future Homes Standard and revoke the infamous 2023 Written Ministerial Statement. But for now, all progressive local authorities should be encouraged by these findings. Interested in our support for local authorities? Get in touch with our Director of Sustainable Places, Lewis Knight.
Excellent research Alex McCann!
Strategic Planning Manager at Winchester City Council
1moThank you for sharing this interesting information. One key benefits is also helping to cut energy bills which is still at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Also ensuring that energy efficiency measures cover both regulated and unregulated energy.