Government-appointed planning advisers have backed proposals to speed up the development of more low carbon homes in the south-west.

The plans were laid out in the region's draft Regional Spatial Strategy following a public consultation, according to New Builder website.

A key focus of the review is the low carbon building escalator, which aims to improve energy standards of new homes.

The government says all new homes must be carbon neutral by 2016.

Chief executive of Regen SW Matthew Spencer told the website: "The low carbon building escalator was the brainchild of south-west councillors keen to minimise the environmental impact of new house building."

He added that it had gained support across the region ahead of the government's approval of the draft.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth have made repeated calls for the government to insist on 100 per cent of UK homes being zero-carbon by 2010, rather than 2016.

It has also suggested that existing homes should be "retro-fitted to improve energy efficiency".


© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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