We support this policy. The policy should recognize the savings in embodied carbon to be made by repurposing existing buildings rather than building new – planning policy should facilitate appropriate change of use.
Page 11 – Oxford Cambs Regional Arc – this seems woolly. Why can we not adopt a more prescriptive approach like that set out in the London Plan which already goes beyond Part L of the building regulations. It is commendable to work with government to enhance building regulations, but shouldn’t the Oxford-Cambridge arc be leading the way on this? This would encourage greater micro-generation, for example.
Page 11 – we will encourage Arc Partners to exceed minimum standards. This should be firmer – stipulate, don’t encourage to avoid a race to lowest cost.
Page 12 – is BREEAM the best measure?
Page 15 –should this be more prescriptive in terms of how much emissions from construction plant should be reduced by? Maybe something here and something around Air Quality could encourage electric plant.
Page 19 – could the last resort offsetting option be somehow more onerous financially?