Dorset Council asked if new homes could be 'climate friendly'

Said Cllr Alex Brenton: “We are still permitting new buildings which are not fit for the next 30 years. They are neither carbon neutral in building techniques or use by residents…If we can ask for biodiversity and environmental surveys, why can we not ask for a Dorset Protocol now which demands information before the application is accepted.”

She said this could include building techniques which reduced wastage and excess concrete, solar energy capture from roof tiles or garden array, passive heat systems using ground or air source heat pumps, rainwater collection and storage and reuse and permeable outside ground coverings for drives and patios.

“Most Councillors on Dorset Planning Committees believe we urgently need a Policy on Carbon Footprint of all new buildings,” she told the annual Dorset Council meeting.

Planning portfolio brief holder Cllr David Walsh told her than changes to building regulations are coming being introduced this year, which will introduce more stringent energy efficiency requirements for new homes, with further changes due in 2025 when the national Future Homes Standard will be introduced.

“In the meantime officers are carrying out some work on what can be done under the current policy framework, with the aim of developing an interim position statement, based on existing national and local policies but seeking to take as proactive approach as we can,”he said.