Overview

The Planning and Energy Act 2008 empowers local planning authorities in England and Wales to incorporate energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements into their development plans. This allows them to mandate higher energy efficiency standards in new buildings and encourage the use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources in developments within their areas.

Description

This Act enables local planning authorities to set requirements for:

• Renewable energy sources: A proportion of energy used in developments must come from renewable sources within the development's locality.
• Low-carbon energy: A proportion of energy used in developments must come from low-carbon sources within the development's locality.
• Increased energy efficiency standards: Developments must meet energy efficiency standards that go beyond the minimum requirements set by building regulations. These standards are defined or referenced in national regulations or guidelines issued by the appropriate national authority (the Secretary of State for England, or the Welsh Ministers).

The Act ensures that local policies remain consistent with national energy policies for England and Wales.

Government Spending

The Act itself doesn't directly allocate any specific government spending. However, its implementation might indirectly affect government spending through changes in building regulations enforcement, potential subsidies for renewable energy projects, and increased energy efficiency in new constructions. No specific figures are provided in the Act.

Groups Affected

• Local Planning Authorities: Responsible for incorporating the new energy requirements into development plans.
• Developers: Will need to meet stricter energy efficiency standards and potentially incorporate renewable energy sources in their projects, potentially increasing development costs.
• Homebuyers/Businesses: Will benefit from more energy-efficient buildings and a lower carbon footprint.
• Renewable Energy Suppliers: May see increased demand for their services.

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