Urban development sustainable development

As from 1st September 2010 the Welsh Assembly Government has introduced new Planning Policy that requires some forms of development to meet a sustainable building standard as part of the planning application process. This will be a key tool in the delivery of the Welsh Assembly Government's aspiration for all news buildings built from 2011 onwards to be zero neutral.

• planning applications for 1 or more dwellings must now achieve Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and obtain 1 credit under issue Ene1 - Dwelling Emission Rate. This requires news homes to be 31% more efficient than required by building regulations (2006).
• planning applications for non-residential developments with a floor space of 1000 sqm or more or a development site in excess of 1 ha must meet the BREEAM 'Very Good' standard and achieve and 'Excellent' rating under Ene1 reduction of CO2 emissions.