22. Are there any other issues relating to low carbon development that the Council should consider?

Comment

Representation ID: 667

Received: 09/08/2010

Respondent: Renaissance Southend Ltd

Some consideration should be given to the Government's previously stated intention that Thames Gateway should be developed as an Eco-Region for which it published a Prospectus in 2009. Reference also in East of England Plan. Whilst not suggesting a blanket policy the Council should consider in what circumstances encouragement could be given to innovation or exemplars,possibly through the use of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) or similar.

Comment

Representation ID: 908

Received: 20/08/2010

Respondent: DPP

Recommendations
Having regard for the issues discussed above we recommend that a robust and multifaceted policy is adopted to ensure a consistent approach is promoted during the assessment of new development proposals. Therefore it is our opinion that Issue DM4 - Low Carbon Development and Efficient Use of Resources should focus on:
* Carbon reduction methods in conjunction with renewable energy for new
developments. A policy requirement for prospective developments (that are above
1,000m² for single or mixed use developments, or for residential developments that are above 10 units) to illustrate a reduction in carbon emissions by 25% is recommended. This is generally deemed to be achievable in development terms without incurring additional costs, and promotes a multi-faceted approach to energy efficiency. Carbon reduction methods could be achieved through reduced energy consumption, increased use of energy efficient and low carbon technologies (e.g. CHP) and also renewable technologies, as in the detailed energy hierarchy within the existing policy context. This is in line with
European and national objectives and polices, and represents the most effective way of meeting regional emission targets by combing a variety of sustainable development methodologies.

Comment

Representation ID: 909

Received: 20/08/2010

Respondent: DPP

We suggest that the Energy Statement's submitted to Southend-on-Sea Borough
Council as part of a planning application pack outlines how the 25% carbon reduction target can or cannot be met. The Energy Statement should provide details of the measures which have been incorporated into the design and fit out of the building (which will result in the reduction of emissions and energy consumption) and also the efforts which have been made to source the building's energy requirements from renewable sources.

Comment

Representation ID: 910

Received: 20/08/2010

Respondent: DPP

Concluding Comments
DPP Sustainability have extensive experience in the area of sustainable energy methods;

Whilst we welcome the fact that the Southend-on-Sea are in favour of promoting sustainable energy methods, we are of the opinion that the text contained in the draft
guidelines lacks clear guidance and does not adequately address the issue of climate change, which should be treated with greater importance and weight;

In order to have a valuable effect on sustainable energy policies, a multifaceted approach should be promoted in line with national and European policy. This is best achieved through a requirement to illustrate that a 25% reduction in carbon emissions has been incorporated into development proposals;

Energy Statements should be promoted as accompanying documents in planning application pack to clearly illustrate to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council how and if the 25% reduction in carbon emissions has been met.

Comment

Representation ID: 914

Received: 18/10/2010

Respondent: Cllr Alan Crystall

Page 28.
This is where siting of development for maximum solar gain should go in.

Support

Representation ID: 926

Received: 19/10/2010

Respondent: Peacock and Smith

Issue DM4
It is acknowledged that a number of Local Authorities are seeking a percentage of onsite renewable energy generation in new development and. in principle, our client supports this approach. However, we consider that any such policy should incorporate an element of flexibility to allow for circumstances where it will not be viable, feasible or suitable 10 incorporate renewable energy equipment to reduce C02 emissions by a given percentage, or indeed for a development to be zero carbon.
Accordingly. Wm Morrison requests that any such policies on renewable energy includes text to confirm that the this will be subject to the tests of viability and suitability.

Comment

Representation ID: 934

Received: 19/10/2010

Respondent: Environment Agency

Issue DM4: Question 22

The Water Cycle Study might highlight areas where increased water efficiency is required, which in turn will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Water efficiency measures add a minimal cost to development but can achieve significant results. In addition, all developments should aspire to incorporate community water harvesting and reuse systems, which are needed to achieve water use of less than 95l/head/day.

We would also recommend retrofitting strategy. Existing development could be retrofitted with resource efficiency measures to decrease carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. Implementing measures to reduce water use and improve waste recycling will also help to use resources more efficiently and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. A strategy should be produced and implemented which identifies:

* the means of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from direct and indirect sources;
* the funding for retrofitting resource efficiency measures;
* who should benefit; and
* how the contributions should be administered and measures implemented.

Comment

Representation ID: 948

Received: 19/10/2010

Respondent: English Heritage

Issue DM4 - Low Carbon Development and Efficient Use of Resources, p26
We do, in general, support the principles behind this policy, but the background text to this policy deals exclusively with new developments. This policy should also recognise the embodied energy within existing buildings, and should not be used to justify demolition of buildings that make a positive contribution to their surroundings. In this context, the advice in PPS5 HE1.1 is relevant, including the need to seek the reuse and, where appropriate, the modification of heritage assets so as to reduce carbon emissions and secure sustainable development. English Heritage's guidance 'Energy Conservation in Traditional Buildings' (available on the HELM website) provides further advice on sympathetic adaptation of the existing building stock.

Comment

Representation ID: 995

Received: 20/10/2010

Respondent: Savills

The policy may need to consider carbon use in the construction supply chain, including reuse of construction materials on- and off-site