Government Plans to Cut Carbon Footprint in New Homes

• The Government has outlined plans to reduce the carbon footprint of new homes, including banning gas boilers and oil heating in new builds after 2025. Cleaner technologies, such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, will be introduced to meet this goal.

Future Homes Standard: A Green Revolution in Housing

• The new Future Homes Standard will mandate better energy efficiency and ventilation requirements for homes, aiming to create more sustainable living spaces. A consultation paper is available for public input on how these changes can be effectively implemented.

Local Authorities Encouraged to Demand Better Energy Standards

• Local authorities will play a crucial role in pushing developers to meet higher energy efficiency standards. This aligns with the Government's goal to drive down the carbon footprint of homes through stricter building regulations and cleaner technologies.

Speeding Up the Planning Process with New Proposals

• The Government is working to accelerate the planning system by offering fee refunds if planning departments are slow to process applications, simplifying planning guidance, and reviewing application fees. These changes aim to streamline the process and support quicker housing delivery.

New National Design Guide to Improve the Appeal of New Homes

• Research shows that homebuyers are dissatisfied with the design of new-build homes, leading to a new national design guide. This guide will encourage developers to create aesthetically pleasing, character-filled homes that resonate with local communities.

The Push for Affordable, Energy-Efficient Homes with Character

• Developers are under pressure to build affordable, energy-efficient homes that also have curb appeal. The new green standards and planning reforms are expected to encourage better designs and more sustainable homes, addressing the dissatisfaction among buyers.