Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

New Housing: Environmental Standards — [Graham Stringer in the Chair]

12 September 2024 · 4 other contributors · 9,375 words

Opened by Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire

Responding minister: Alex Norris

HousingClimateEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ellie Chowns raised concerns about new housing: environmental standards — [graham stringer in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Ellie Chowns raised concerns about the lack of specific details on environmental standards for new housing.
  • Chowns requested the Minister to clarify the timetable for publishing the future homes standard and to include stringent measures on energy efficiency and embodied carbon.
  • The Minister stated that new building standards focusing on low-carbon heating and energy-efficient materials will be introduced next year.

Key requests to Government

Chowns asks the Minister to clarify the timetable for publishing the future homes standard and to ensure that it includes stringent measures on energy efficiency, minimisation of embodied carbon, maximisation of on-site renewable energy generation, and incorporation of biodiversity considerations. She also requests the removal of restrictions on local authorities setting higher standards.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire

Ellie Chowns is concerned about the lack of specific details from the Government regarding environmental standards for new housing, despite commitments to build 1.5 million homes over five years. She emphasises that focusing on quantity alone without considering quality and long-term sustainability could lead to poor standard buildings requiring expensive retrofits later. She notes that domestic housing accounted for more than a quarter of energy use in the UK in the last year and highlights the importance of addressing embodied carbon, solar panel installation, biodiversity enhancement, and resilience against climate impacts.

Other contributors (4)
  • Calum Miller Lib Dem Bicester and Woodstock

    Seconded the hon. Lady's point about local authority standards, referencing a specific case in West Oxfordshire where developers challenged a net zero standard set by the council. Asked if the Government would issue a new written ministerial statement allowing local authorities to pursue net zero targets. Asked the Minister to consider issuing a new written ministerial statement ahead of the new housing standards to clarify the one published on 13 December 2023 by the previous Government, which disrupted local authorities' efforts to raise standards.

  • David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

    Mr Simmonds highlighted the complexities in improving housing environmental standards due to the UK's old housing stock and mixed ownership structures. He noted that developers face barriers such as solar panel costs, while local authorities struggle with delays in decision-making caused by nutrient neutrality rules. The speaker also pointed out significant discrepancies between intended and real-world emissions from properties. Mr Simmonds advocated for a balance between environmental goals and practical implementation, emphasizing the importance of clear standards for building materials and efficient planning processes.

  • Olly Glover Lib Dem Didcot and Wantage

    Mr Glover highlighted the importance of improving environmental standards for new housing, arguing that doing so would address climate change while also creating jobs and protecting low-income households from energy price fluctuations. He noted that his constituency had seen rapid housing growth over the past decade but observed that many new developments lacked solar panels or heat pumps despite efforts by local councils to promote positive environmental measures within current regulations.

  • Zöe Franklin Lib Dem Guildford

    Ms Franklin highlighted the pressing issue of home heating costs and environmental standards, noting that millions in Britain live in cold, damp homes due to poor developer practices. She emphasized that new homes must be zero-carbon with solar panels installed and criticized developers for ignoring these requirements. Ms Franklin called for incentives and strong legislation to ensure future homeowners do not bear the cost of retrofitting inefficient buildings. She proposed a 10-year energy upgrade programme including free insulation and heat pumps for low-income households, stressing that local authorities should implement it efficiently based on local needs.

Government Response

Alex Norris

The Government remains committed to achieving net zero by 2050 through high environmental standards for new homes. New building standards will be introduced next year, focusing on low-carbon heating and energy-efficient materials. Local authorities retain the ability to set higher local standards in line with national policy. The minister acknowledged the need for embodied carbon reduction but emphasized goal-oriented targets over specific methods like solar panels. Biodiversity net gain is mandatory for new developments at least 10% measurable improvement, while water supply efficiency measures are under consultation.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy