ipswich.gov.uk

Policy DM2: Decentralised renewable or low carbon energy

The policy is unsound because it is contrary to national policy.

This policy is contrary to the Government's policy on how the energy efficiency targets are achieved including its statement on how residential developers will be able to meet the target for zero carbon homes from 2016 onwards. The DCLG in its paper entitled Next Steps to Zero Carbon Homes - Allowable Solutions (DCLG, July 2014) has made it clear that residential developers are not obliged to pursue any particular route to achieve the carbon efficiency targets under Part L of the Building Regulations that may be suggested by the local authority. The house builder will be free to choose the most appropriate measure (see paragraph 8 of the report). The Council, therefore, cannot require that developers provide for at least 15% of their energy requirements from decentralised and renewable or low-carbon sources. They may decide to, but they cannot be compelled to do so. Nor is the applicant required to justify what particular approach he/she has decided to adopt in order to achieve the carbon efficiency targets. Nor is the applicant required to design the development to allow for the application of feed-in tariffs.

This is not a planning matter and should be deleted in respect of residential development.