The Govenment has published its consultation on the introduction of a code to improve environmental protection while constructing new homes.
It builds on the approach of the EcoHomes standard and will set a star rating of 5 levels for homebuyers on the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of new homes
The Labour Party manifesto for the code states
From April 2006 all new homes receiving Government funding will meet the new Code for Sustainable Buildings and we will encourage local authorities to apply similar standards to private homes
All new homes built by RSLs (or others) with Housing Corporation funding will comply with higher levels of the Code together with homes developed by English Partnerships and any of the ODPM’s housing growth programmes.
Our yardstick in assessing this government proposal is whether this is an efficient and cost-effective way of encouraging further improvements in sustainability in an increased housing supply.
On that score, while we welcome the less prescriptive approach set out in the proposed code, if it is going to assist the delivery of new housing there remain some significant issues to resolve, notably the code’s relationship with the planning system.
Although voluntary, it would appear that the code could be required as a planning condition, thereby making compliance mandatory not voluntary. This could cause further delays to planning applications.
There are other areas in the technical detail of the code that our working party will be addressing at their next meeting in January. Once this group has agreed a draft HBF response, it will be sent to members to help them compile their own response.
We cannot emphasise too strongly how imprtant it is that members do respond. You have 13 weeks in which to do so.
Copies of the consulation document may be obtained from ODPM.