Bath and North East Somerset Council, known for enforcing some of the country’s strictest energy efficiency standards in new housing, may soon be compelled to abandon its “net zero” building requirements. These regulations ensure that new developments are so energy efficient that their carbon emissions are offset by onsite renewable energy generation.
The potential rollback comes as part of proposed national planning reforms designed to raise minimum environmental standards for new homes, but which would also cap the maximum standards local councils can impose on developers. Bath and North East Somerset is one of over 60 councils that have expressed concerns about lowering their ambitious environmental policies under these proposals.
At a recent full council meeting, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainability Sarah Warren emphasized that building regulations should serve as a minimum benchmark to improve upon, not a restrictive ceiling. She highlighted that Bath’s pioneering net zero standard has not hindered housing delivery; instead, it has resulted in homes with the highest energy efficiency in the country, reducing utility bills and combating fuel poverty—an especially critical benefit amid the cost-of-living crisis.
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Warren criticized the national planning policy framework consultation, which concluded recently, noting that proposals to limit local authorities’ ability to enforce net zero standards are “an unnecessary blocker to innovations” in decarbonising construction.
Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development Matt McCabe echoed these concerns, calling it “extraordinary” that the government appears to be capitulating to lobbying by developers and energy companies seeking to restrict local environmental ambitions.
However, some council members, such as Labour’s Eleanor Jackson, stressed the urgent need for increased housing supply, suggesting that energy efficiency should not delay construction for those facing homelessness. The Labour opposition leader, Robin Moss, acknowledged the challenge of balancing urgency in housing development with environmental priorities but criticized the administration for signing a joint letter to the government before the council had fully debated the issue.
In response, Warren explained that the early support of the letter was necessary due to deadline constraints, allowing the council to join forces with other Labour councils and environmental groups. She proposed a follow-up local letter to the government, aiming for cross-party backing to reinforce Bath’s commitment to high environmental standards.
The Liberal Democrat motion opposing the national reforms was overwhelmingly supported by the council, with 46 votes in favor, two against from Independents for B&NES, and one abstention. This stance follows the council’s 2023 unanimous decision to introduce the net zero standard, which even received support from Conservative councillors at the time.
Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Bath and North East Somerset Council remains dedicated to achieving net zero by 2030, fighting to uphold policies that foster sustainable, affordable, and environmentally responsible housing.