In recent years the role of sustainability has become more and more important in the determination of a submitted application. Members and officers presiding over a Development Control committee will hear how each new proposed development has “sustainability” and “sensitivity to the environment”. However, for the home or land owner looking to seek approval for development there is sometimes a question about what this actually means to them.

At East of England Planning Consultants sustainability is an important aspect of what we do, not least because the area we serve also includes the fantastic Norfolk Broads National Park. As an area of high scientific importance, home to rare species and some beautiful buildings, the Broads has its own LPA to govern developments.

The Broads Authority has some great information on their website relating to sustainability and their checklist is a great place to start when thinking about a project:

Climate
Design buildings to be as flexible as possible for future adaptation to climate and temperature change, and changes in water level.

Energy efficiency
Design buildings to be as energy efficient as possible, reducing effects of depletion of natural resources and pollution produced by conventional energy generation.

Sustainable materials and construction
Understand the impacts, which materials specified may have on the environment, resource depletion and energy consumption.

Biodiversity and quality environments
Consider existing plant and wildlife, acoustic insulation, thermal comfort, natural daylight and ventilation.

Water resource management
Understand the importance of conserving limited natural resources, minimise consumption, reduce flood risk and relieve demands on infrastructure.

Waste management
Reduce, re-use and recycle.

Renewable energy
Develop sites to maximise opportunities for generating and using renewable energy (small scale windmills, Photovoltaics etc).

Micro-climate and pollution
Create shelter from excessive exposure to sun and wind, and improve air quality by reducing pollution.

Its not just East of England Planning Consultants that have their eye very much on creating sustainable development. Prince Charles will himself have a ‘royal’ house built at this years’ Ideal Home show in March 2011.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see Prince Charles’ proposal for greener living. The building is billed as a low carbon home made from only natural materials. The house has also steered away from gadgets and space-age materials, relying on simple solutions such as highly insulated and highly efficient walls, roof and floors. Apparently, the walls are constructed of solid clay and the roof and floors insulated with sheep’s wool and lime hemp.

If you are looking to build now and want to keep a keen eye on the future of your development then contact your local planning consultants in the East of England. Our pre-application advice and application construction services will help move your project forward in a sustainable way, making it more attractive to local planning decision makers.