Navon Planning’s Post

WHY WE NEED GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDING STANDARDS! Green building standards are a set of rules for making houses and buildings better for the environment and the people who live or work in them. These rules encourage things like using less energy and water, creating less waste, and making sure the air inside is healthy. These standards are important because they help protect our planet by reducing pollution and saving resources. They also make buildings more comfortable and healthier for people, which can even save money on energy bills. By having national standards, everyone follows the same guidelines, making it easier to build green and compare different buildings. This encourages builders and homeowners to make better choices for the environment and for themselves. https://lnkd.in/dKZEDaYX

Competition waivers are now streamlined in the planning process. Amendments have been made to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 allowing waivers to be granted for design competitions at the beginning of the planning process. This is a welcome and necessary change to ensure early certainty and streamlining of the planning process. For regionally significant DAs, the Council will provide a waiver, while for SSD, the Secretary (likely through the NSW Government Architect's Office) will provide waivers. Previously, waivers could only be granted by a 'consent authority' along with a final approval. The change is important for DAs looking to implement the 15%/30% affordable housing bonus under the Housing SEPP, particularly in cases where approvals are in place and competitions have already occurred. Chris Forrester Michael Rowe Brendan Hoskins

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was released by the government last week, which sets out how it will meet its target of 1.5 million homes by 2029. Emelye Kenyon (nee Towell), our Director and Head of Environmental Services, shares her insights on the government's proposed changes to the NPPF in Building Design. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eM5Bn5qY #UrbanDesign #PlanningPolicy #NPPF #BuiltEnvironment

AM-P are delighted to hear that outline planning permission has been approved at Planning Committee for proposals on land north of Warren House, Roxwell Road, Writtle. The site is identified in Chelmsford City Council’s Local Plan (adopted May 2020) as Strategic Growth Site 2. The application was approved 4.5 years after its successful allocation.    Proposals comprise up to 880 new homes, primary school with co-located early years and childcare nursery, travelling showpersons site, sports facilities including a pavilion/community centre, neighbourhood centre (including retail, community, healthcare, office and residential uses), plus associated landscaping and habitat creation, public open space and play facilities, roads and infrastructure (all matters reserved except access), together with a detailed scheme in the south east corner for Phase 1A comprising 311 no. houses plus associated roads, parking and infrastructure (Landscaping reserved for Phase 1A).   This outline application was submitted further to the approval of a high-level Masterplan Document to accord with the allocation of the site as a sustainable urban extension to the Urban Area of Chelmsford. Development of this Masterplan first commenced in 2018 and was led by Crest Nicholson. AM-P played a key role in the preparation of this Masterplan Document, which was subject to extensive negotiation and revisions over subsequent years. The final Masterplan Document, which was approved by Cabinet in February 2021, shaped the form and detailing of the outline application and was a material planning consideration in its determination’.    AM-P utilised its extensive experience and expertise to lead and co-ordinate the EIA process in relation to the project. AM-P prepared the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Statement, which set out the likely environmental effects of the development. Both the Masterplan Document and the Environmental Statement were key documents in justifying the scheme and informing decision making. #masterplan #eia #environmentalimpaceassessment #masterplanning

The Future Homes Standard. Are you ready for the upcoming changes in housing standards? This guide is an essential tool for builders, developers, architects, and anyone involved in the construction and housing industry. 🔗 Download your guide now: https://lnkd.in/eBzaPtd5 #FutureHomesStandard #SustainableBuilding #BuildingRegulations #EnergyEfficiencyInBuildings

The Green Belt has long been a cornerstone of planning policy in the UK, protecting areas of land from urban sprawl and preserving our natural environment. However, recent changes to the Green Belt policy signal a shift in how this protected land can be utilised. The updates are designed to address the UK’s growing housing needs by permitting carefully controlled development in specific areas of the Green Belt. This doesn’t mean a free-for-all on development—projects must meet strict criteria, such as prioritising brownfield sites and demonstrating exceptional circumstances. For homeowners or developers, this could open up opportunities, but it also means navigating a complex approval process. Understanding what qualifies as "exceptional circumstances" and how to mitigate the environmental impact is key. At JKT Architecture, we stay up to date with policy changes to provide tailored advice and solutions for our clients. If you’re considering a project within or near Green Belt land, we can guide you through the intricacies of the planning system to maximise your chances of success. Got questions about how this affects your project? Drop us a message!

🏗 How can we build safe, abundant homes and great communities without compromising on wellbeing, quality and sustainability...?   Ahead of today’s King’s Speech, CIC has made 56 recommendations to Government for a better built environment. These include: 🏡 Convene a taskforce for occupancy and abandoned buildings within the first session of the new parliament. 🏡 Implement the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime including the introduction of a General Product Safety Requirement. 🏡 Review mandatory registration with the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) and expand the scope of the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS) and NHQB to cover dwellings create through Material Change of Use (MCU). 🏡 Implement the recommendations of the Infection Resilient Environments report by the Royal Academy of Engineering and National Engineering Policy Centre. 🏡 Take action to expand and protect urban green spaces, by consulting immediately on mandating local authorities to use Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework. 🏡 Mandate periodic design vs as-built inspections to ensure that performance, quality and energy targets are being met in buildings and identify and remedy any shortfalls 🏡 Better enforce public sector rules and procurement policies on inclusivity, social value and late payment such as those which disproportionately affect SMEs throughout the supply and value chain. 🏡 Explore the potential for a Built Environment GCSE (or equivalent) to help pupils develop core built environment skills and understanding at an early stage. 🏡 Mandate local housing targets that add up to a total national figure and account for genuine affordability, demographic and accessibility needs. 🏡 Support and fund knowledge transfer projects such as Regional Building Hubs to help SME builders and developers stay viable and competitive. 🏡 Commit to reduce embodied carbon emissions in all building types with a view to mandating the measurement and reporting of whole-life carbon emissions on some projects through a ‘Part Z’ amendment to the Building Regs. #buildingsafety #sustainability #wellbeing #kingsspeech Wei Yang Dirk Vennix Mina Hasman Graham Watts https://lnkd.in/d5PZJ9Tz

Sustainable construction has evolved from a trend to a necessity, impacting how main contractors operate. Key Insights: ✅ Growing Demand: Clients expect not just cost-effective solutions, but environmentally responsible choices. ✅ Cost Savings: Energy-efficient designs lead to lower long-term utility expenses for building owners. ✅ Incentives and Regulations: The UK government offers various incentives, including the Green Homes Grant and tax relief for green initiatives, making sustainability financially appealing for contractors and clients alike. Main contractors who proactively incorporate sustainable practices will not only meet client expectations but also gain a competitive edge in the market. Embracing sustainability is the future of construction. #SustainableConstruction #GreenBuilding #UKConstruction

Whole Life Carbon compliance with current and emerging policies, methodologies, and standards could be overwhelming for consultants as well as their clients. We have the opportunity to develop an easy, transparent and consistent way of assessing: - early stage Whole Life Carbon option appraisals at pre-application stage (because that is when it matters!) - WLC assessment that is compliant at full planning - subsequent WLC assessments during construction or post construction (because tracking carbon and informing the delivery is equally important) We need to streamline the process and we believe Preoptima have the right tool

🌱 Building for a Safer & Greener Future 🌱 As the UK pushes for safer, sustainable buildings, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and standards. Learn how the Building Safety Act and decarbonisation goals are reshaping construction for the better. Dive into our latest blog to see what this means for developers, property owners, and communities! https://lnkd.in/ejMJh_5W #BuildingSafety #Decarbonisation #ConstructionInnovation #OctaneConstruction