From 1st September 2009, there are will be significant changes to planning applications as Wales moves towards more sustainable and zero carbon buildings. The Welsh Assembly Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statement provides a new section 2.12 of Planning Policy Wales.

Briefly, to move towards more sustainable and zero carbon buildings in Wales:

• Planning applications for 5 or more dwellings received on or after 1st September 2009 will be expected to meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and obtain 6 credits under Ene1 - Dwelling Emmission Rate
• Planning applications for 1 or more dwellings received on or after 1st September 2010 will be expected to meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and obtain 6 credits under Ene1 - Dwelling Emmission Rate
• Planning applications received on or after 1st September 2009 for non-residential development which will have either a floorspace of 1,000sqm or more, or will be carried out on a site having an area of one hectare or more, will have to achieve a minimum VERY GOOD rating of the BREEAM standard and acheive the mandatory credits for EXCELLENT under Ene 1 - Reduction of CO2.

An assessor should be appointed as soon as possible to ensure that developments will meet the requirements. If a building is to acheive OUTSTANDING under BREEAM, there are 2 extra credits available if a licensed assessor is appointed at or before RIBA stage B.

Reegen is licensed to provide Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM Education, Offices, Bespoke, Multi-residential, Courts, Prisons, International and In-Use assessments. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it