Testun llawn:
The HBF objects to this policy, as it considers that controlling how a property is built should be achieved through Building Regulations, as it has historically been the case.
This is a position in part is supported by the Council in para 6.60 of BP42 Viability Assessment, where it states:
‘As discussed in BP33A Net Zero Buildings, .... then consideration should be given to whether it remains appropriate to have a planning policy that is broadly similar, as it would be more desirable to deal with the relevant assessments through the Building Control process rather than the planning system'
Such policies are also creating inconsistent standards across LPAs, as each is choosing slightly different standards and ways to measure compliance, making it harder to deliver new homes at scale.
In particular, concern is raised about the operational element of this policy and the future monitoring. This type of assessment relies on assumptions and averages, and is likely to change over time. This makes it almost impossible to monitor or enforce, and is therefore not considered appropriate as a planning policy.
The Welsh Government recently confirmed that the new Part L & F Building Regulations will come into force in the spring/summer of 2026. This means that this higher standard will apply to the housing allocations in this plan.
HBF notes that this is an issue which has also arisen in Local Plans in England; where it appears that the Government has decided to clarify the position in its latest consultation (Dec 2025) on the NPPF, where it states:
'Streamlining local standards. - We want to promote certainty for applicants and speed up local plan production by limiting quantitative standards in development plans to only those specific issues where local variation is justified. We also want to limit duplication of matters which are covered by the Building Regulations – other than where there is the existing ability to use ‘optional technical standards.'
