This Act enables Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to set “reasonable requirements” for energy use and energy efficiency in local plans.
Thus planning policies can be adopted which require the energy used in new developments to incorporate:
- a specified proportion of renewable energy sourced from the locality of the development
- a specified proportion of low carbon energy sourced from the locality of the development
LPAs can also require new developments to meet energy efficiency standards which exceed those of the building regulations in force at the time, for example by requiring a particular Code for Sustainable Homes rating.
Useful legislation because it provides guidance on energy requirements in relation to building regulations with respect to energy performance or conservation of fuel and power.
Page last updated: 12 May 2010
