Overview

The Planning and Energy Act 2008 empowers local planning authorities in England and Wales to incorporate energy-related requirements into their development plans. This allows them to mandate the use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources in new developments and to set higher energy efficiency standards than those stipulated by building regulations.

Description

This Act allows local planning authorities to include policies in their development plans that require:

• A specified proportion of energy used in new developments to come from renewable sources within the local area.
• A certain percentage of energy used in new developments to originate from low-carbon sources within the local area.
• New developments to meet energy efficiency standards exceeding those set by building regulations. These standards can be defined by national policies or regulations.

The Act ensures that these local policies align with relevant national energy policies for England and Wales. The definition of terms like "development plan document" and "local planning authority" is consistent with existing planning legislation.

Government Spending

The Act itself doesn't directly involve government spending. However, it may indirectly impact government spending by influencing the types of developments permitted and potentially leading to increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure or energy efficiency measures. No specific figures are provided in the Act.

Groups Affected

• Local Planning Authorities: Granted increased powers to influence energy efficiency and renewable energy usage within their areas.
• Developers: Will face new requirements for energy efficiency and renewable energy use in their projects, potentially increasing development costs.
• Homeowners/Businesses: May benefit from living or operating in more energy-efficient buildings, leading to lower energy bills.
• Renewable Energy Sector: May experience increased demand for their products and services.

Powered by nyModel