Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the environmental performance of new homes against nine categories of sustainable design before awarding it a rating of between one and six stars.
From the 1st of May 2008 it became mandatory for all new build dwellings to be assessed under the Code for Sustainable Homes. From 2010 all new build dwellings in England will need to achieve Code Level 3 in order to attain a completion certificate from Building Control. The Government has committed to ensuring that by 2016 all new homes built in England will be of a 'Zero Carbon' design, which is the equivalent of Level 6 of the Code.
Many Local Authorities have now also specified minimum acceptable Code levels for new dwellings, which they control by requiring sustainability appraisals to accompany planning applications and through the subsequent use of conditions attached to planning permissions.
In addition the commitment by a developer to incorporate exemplary sustainable forms of design into a dwelling or scheme can help improve the chance of successfully securing planning permission for developments on difficult, isolated or rural sites.
DHA Planning now have the necessary in-house expertise to provide advice on the cost and implications of complying with the Code for Sustainable Homes and to produce reports to illustrate the Code Level a dwelling can achieve. We can also advise on sustainable matters relating to conversions and refurbishments under the Ecohomes assessment scheme.
Our ability to offer these assessments complements our planning work and streamlines this aspect of the planning process for our clients. The need to obtain a specific Code for Sustainable Homes level has implications for many aspects of the design of a dwelling and we can ensure that this requirement is considered whilst schemes evolve.
For more information please contact David Harvey.