The SPD sets out best practice recommendations to help drive up building design and construction to the highest standards.
In 2019 the government set a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have stated all homes and businesses will have to meet rigorous new energy efficiency standards to lower energy consumptions to help protect the environment.
In response to this, in October 2020 Herefordshire Council's Cabinet formally endorsed the production of a Supplementary Planning Document to promote higher building standards through setting out best practice guidance for building performance, energy use, external environment, accessibility and construction.
The document does not introduce new policy but is designed to provide supplementary guidance on the adopted Herefordshire Local Plan - Core Strategy 2011-2021 environmental quality policies. It will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.
The consultation on the draft plan ran from 2 March to 13 April 2022.