Planning - Environmental
Through Planning Policy Guidance (see introduction to this section) many environmental concerns have been dealt with by central government. For example PPG11 contains guidance on energy efficient patterns of development and buildings. PPG12 states environmental concerns should be comprehensively and consistently taken into account in development plans.
A significant number of local authorities have now prepared Supplementary Planning Guidance that focus upon environmental performance criteria such as energy efficiency and materials selection. Such documents use the opportunity local authorities have to influence the performance of all planning applicants, and encourage the move towards more sustainable construction. This can help local authorities achieve their commitments to reducing climate change (for example, if they have signed the Nottingham Climate Change Declaration) and generally helps fulfil the role of community leadership.
The Building Regulations provide the enforceable aspect of building control. The revision to Part L is increasing the efficiency of new build and major refurbishments. The Regulations do not yet cover other environmental issues, but again local authorities can take the opportunity to advise designers and builders on more sustainable practice.
Reuse land. Treat contaminated land on-site. Re-use buildings.
Progressive controls with regard to reuse of land and buildings, such as the Government's target of 60% of housing to be on brownfield land, are at the vanguard of policy with regard to sustainable development. The University of East London (demonstration number 49) is a prime example of contaminated land being dealt with on site. Reusing buildings can save significant amounts of waste material. Existing buildings can often be the basis of the character of the neighbourhood. There can be complex local sensitivities in developing historic buildings and defunct sites.
16/17 Old Bailey (demonstration number 46) is an example of the re-use of land and buildings. The works comprised the demolition of the majority of the existing buildings, and retaining the façade, which was subject to refurbishment.
The new six-storey office building entailed piled foundations, concrete substructure, structural steel framework clad with aluminium and glazed curtain walling. Internally, the building includes extensive M&E services, raised access floors, suspended ceilings and Category A finishes. There was a social and Category A finishes. There was a social and economic benefit in keeping a well-recognised façade, and environmental benefits in using fewer materials, and creating less waste.
Plan the footprint of the building with ecological features in mind.
When considering a site, whether greenfield or brownfield, there will be particular areas of the site that support a concentration of biodiversity, such as ponds and hedgerows. Many constraints need to be accounted for by the footprint and layout of buildings on the site, but lasting benefits can be gained by aiming to maintain and protect these features by placing buildings and access routes as far away as possible. For example, building users can benefit from better views, and existing trees and hedges can afford protection to the users and the buildings, even to the extent of features being used as part of the building performance. The planning authority will expect to see that site plans have considered the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and local plans where relevant.
The new Wessex Water headquarters (demonstration number 11) considered the surrounding countryside in the layout and maintained as many mature trees as possible.
Development on the reclaimed sloping site had to be as sensitive as possible, as the site is adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The building hugs the contours of the land to minimise visual impact.
Consider how building users will travel to and access the site and facilities and amenities nearby.
Any development that may generate traffic or alter traffic patterns may be required to produce a transport assessment for the local planning authority. All developers will need to consider this issue. Beyond traffic assessments, developers need to consider points of access to the site, for vehicles and pedestrians, and how the development integrates with the surrounding area. New users of the development will need amenities and the developer must consider where the nearest facilities are, how users will reach them, and whether it is viable for facilities to be provided on site. The Urban Design Compendium provides a wealth of information about integration and access issues.
While Constructing Excellence has sought to engage with sustainability-themed demonstrations, few have come forward to address how transport is dealt with at the planning stage. Beddington Zero Energy Development in Sutton (demonstration number 1016) is an example of a project that has addressed this through unique site facilities to support reduced reliance on the private car. This is dealt with in greater detail in the section on 'Design'. Car parking at Swindon's new hospital (demonstration number 124) has been deliberately limited to encourage use of public transport and car sharing.