Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Guidance

Contents Table 1 The Benefits and Opportunities of Sustainable Developments Introduction Purpose and Status of this Document Context The need for sustainable developments Location of new development Mix of Development Site Layout Accessibility and Movement Building Design, Water and Energy Consumption Building Form Passive solar design Insulation Materials Energy and water efficient appliances Renewable Energy Sustainable Drainage and wastewater Biodiversity and Landscape Health and wellbeing Glossary Further information and advice Page 2

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THE BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTS

For Developers Compliance with planning guidance and policy Increased social equity through provision of accessible, well integrated development/infrastructure Scope for high density, imaginative and attractive development Can increase the viability of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) provision Improve marketability and make properties more desirable Potential cost savings in construction Improved corporate image

For Occupiers Improved access to facilities and services Increased travel choice

For All Reduced demand for fossil fuels Reduced impact on global warming and climate change

Reduced travel costs

Reduced congestion, noise and pollution

Improved safety for road users, cyclists and pedestrians Improved local environment Increased natural surveillance by designimproved security Reduced running costs savings on energy bills Improved amenities

Retention of countryside, enhanced open spaces and improvement of wildlife habitat and conservation of species Minimise the impact on the environment of using resources Create sustainable communities

Reduced impact of storing, treating and pumping water Protect local ecology and enhance biodiversity

Improved economic and environmental performance and competitiveness Demonstrate social responsibility Environmental enhancements Enhance community involvement and wellbeing Minimised risk of legal repercussions

Reduced maintenance costs Flexibility in use Improved comfort

Minimised risk of skin disorders from increased UV radiation Reduced risk of flooding Minimise waste

Healthier environment Reduced nuisance Increased privacy Easier opportunities for recycling Easier opportunity for a resale

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Introduction The Council is keen to facilitate an increased awareness of the impact that development has on the environment and to encourage proposals to have a minimal environmental footprint. This Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) provides advice to those seeking planning permission for development within the Borough; potential occupiers of those developments; and those considering making environmental improvements to a building. This guidance establishes principles rather than being prescriptive, recognising that the most suitable sustainable measures to incorporate will very much depend on the site, individual circumstances, and the available technology. It is also acknowledged that there are many sustainability and design objectives to be addressed, some of which may be conflicting. The aim is to encourage a transparent and integrated process which reconciles the various considerations to achieve the most effective and sustainable approach for a particular development. Whilst it is recognised that Building Regulations are increasingly requiring buildings to be more energy efficient, this document aims to raise standards and encourage a holistic approach to sustainable building, with consideration given to the impact of the development throughout its lifetime. Purpose and Status of this Document This document was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane on 22 July 2004 and complements the adopted policy GS1 of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Local Plan 1991-2001 and policies E1 and A7 in the Revised Deposit Draft Local Plan Review 1996-2016. Applicants seeking planning consent for a development will be expected to demonstrate how they intend to minimise the environmental impact of a proposal either within a design statement, or as supporting information, submitted with a planning application. All opportunities should be taken to maximise the sustainability of a development. When determining planning applications, consideration will be given to the use of legal agreements to secure sustainability measures. This Guidance has been subject to consultation with local agents, local residents and interest groups, Councillors, and Parish Councils. A full list of consultees, copies of their responses, and details of the Councils consideration of the issues raised during the consultation period are available for inspection, by appointment, from the Forward Planning & Transport team, during normal office hours (tel: 01256 845464). Context This document has been produced in the context of an increasing commitment internationally, and by the UK Government, to the encouragement of sustainable development, energy and water efficiency, and an increase in the use of renewable energy. The theme of sustainable design and construction runs through a wide range of documents and protocols, from the international to the local level. International The Kyoto Protocol achieved commitment from developed countries to make legally binding reductions in their greenhouse gas emissions in order to address climate change. The European Union has introduced a Strategy for Sustainable Development, 3 of 17

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together with numerous Directives to address environmental issues in development: for example, Environmental Impact Assessment. National The UK Strategy for Sustainable Development, the Energy White Paper, and Planning Policy Guidance Notes 1 (and consultation draft PPS 1), 3, and 13 all require sustainability to be a fundamental objective of new developments. The recently published Planning Policy Statement 22 consultation draft on Renewable Energy indicates the increasing commitment of the Government to the use of renewable energy, in order to meet the Governments target to produce 10% of the UKs electricity from renewable resources by 2010. In May 2004, The Sustainable Buildings Task Group produced a report which makes recommendations, to both industry and the Government, on improving the environmental performance of buildings. Regional In 2001, the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) published a Sustainable Development Framework for the South East, A Better Quality of Life in the SouthEast which aims to guide and monitor the quality of life within the region. In 2003, SEERA produced proposed alterations to the energy efficiency and renewable energy policies in Regional Planning Guidance for the South East. The policies aim to reduce the demand for energy, minimise the impact of energy use, and provide guidance on how regional renewable energy targets will be delivered. Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9) encourages development to be located and designed to enable the sustainable use of the regions natural resources. Local The Basingstoke and Deane Adopted Local Plan and Revised Deposit Draft Local Plan Review seek to promote more sustainable patterns of development as well as encouraging the sustainable design and construction of individual developments. This guidance supplements policies GS1 of the Adopted Plan and policies E1 and A7 of the Revised Deposit Draft Local Plan. Policy GS1 requires that developments accord with the sustainability objectives of the Plan (set out in para. 2.300), such as reducing vehicle emissions, providing for potential opportunities to utilise renewable energy sources, and avoiding pollution of watercourses. Policy E1 states that development proposals should incorporate energy and water conservation features, water and refuse storage, collection and recycling arrangements, necessary and appropriate street lighting and furniture, public and private spaces, and public art. Policy A7 of the Revised Deposit Draft Local Plan encourages the generation of energy from renewable sources subject to the impact on the landscape, townscape, amenities of the area etc. The Council also has a Sustainability Policy, which sets out its aims towards, and principles of action for securing a more sustainable community. Furthermore, the local Community Strategy for the Borough, Pride in our Place, includes a Priority theme of an environment thats good to live in. This includes the following objectives: Develop a good stewardship of our environment Encourage a diverse and high quality built environment

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Promote sustainable approaches to housing developments by design, location, type of construction and use of suppliers Increase the efficiency with which we use natural resources Plan for and reduce the negative impacts of climate change and its impact on the Borough

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Within the Councils Three Year Plan and Budget strategy 2004-7, Priority Objective 2 seeks to promote the EcoHomes Standards for all housing developed on Council owned land, and where possible for all housing development, and seeks to enable developers, owners, tenants and landlords to improve the condition of the housing stock, including energy efficient measures and disabled adaptations. The Council has also produced Supplementary Planning Guidance entitled Places to Live (adopted 18 April 2002), which provides urban design advice on the creation of more sustainable communities. The need for sustainable developments Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A sustainable community is dependent on people acting together to create healthy, safe places in which to live, work and play (Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Sustainability Policy). The design and construction of buildings plays a major role in contributing to sustainable developments and communities. New buildings can considerably impact on natural resources such as the use of timber, building materials, land and water. Currently in the UK, the rate of water consumption is rising whilst supplies are falling. Water is a renewable resource, and sustainable development should ensure that we are keeping consumption within the limits of natural replenishment (Howarth, Sustainable Housing Principles and Practice, 2000). More than half (56%) of the total water supplied is used by households (Source: Defra, 2003). Giving consideration to the provision of water saving, recycling and storage equipment at the design stage facilitates a reduction in water usage by the occupiers. Climate change threatens the UK with increased risks of drought and flooding. It is recognised that greenhouse gases are one of the main contributors to climate change, therefore the Government has committed to reducing the production of greenhouse gases, and in particular carbon dioxide. Buildings contribute almost half (46%) of the UKs carbon dioxide emissions (homes contributing 27%) (Source: Defra, 2003), with road traffic emitting a further 20%. Sustainably located, designed and constructed buildings can play an important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Households account for up to a quarter of energy consumption (source: Defra, 2003). The design or layout of a building or site can minimise the energy requirements of the occupants, reducing the need for the use of finite energy resources, such as coal and oil, and minimising greenhouse gas emissions produced through the burning of fossil fuels. Furthermore, the incorporation of technology to harness renewable energy sources

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within a development can provide energy without diminishing fossil fuel resources or contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. 4.5 The total waste produced in the UK is estimated at around 430 million tonnes. 24% of this is from demolition and construction, with household waste contributing a further 8% (Source: Defra, 2003). Converting buildings and reusing construction materials will minimise the need for further resources, as well as reducing the amount of waste material that needs to be disposed. On-site burning of waste should be avoided. New buildings can also be designed and equipped to encourage the occupiers to easily recycle waste materials. Avoiding a net loss of biodiversity is a key test of sustainable development. Furthermore, the successful integration of existing and newly created wildlife habitats into development schemes can help to achieve an attractive living environment and can also play a role in reducing pollution and flooding. Sustainable buildings offer healthier living conditions for the occupants. This guidance identifies the main issues that need to be considered for any new sustainable development, ranging from the location of development to the details of the building and its occupation, and the building process. It is intended as a signpost document, to flag up the main considerations and also provide further sources of information (Section 15). The main provider of independent information on environmental and sustainable performance of buildings is the Building Research Establishment (BRE). BRE has established EcoHomes The environmental rating for homes. It is based on many years of construction and environmental research carried out by BRE, the construction industry and Government. More information on this rating system can be obtained from the BRE (contact details in Section 15). Whilst there are a range of standards against which the environmental performance of developments can be measured, the EcoHomes standard is becoming widely recognised as an accepted, and expected, standard. The Housing Corporation already requires, as a condition for grant, that the new homes they fund achieve an EcoHomes accreditation Pass standard. For 2005/06 it is intended to make Good the minimum requirement. The Councils Three Year Plan (2004-2007) has a priority objective to provide people with affordable decent homes within planned sustainable communities. To achieve this, the EcoHomes standard will be promoted for all housing developed on Council owned land and, where possible, for all housing development. One indicator which will be used to measure the success of the Plan is the percentage of new homes achieving an EcoHomes standard good or above. The Council will therefore encourage developers to seek EcoHomes accreditation. Location of new development The location of new development can have significant implications on its sustainability and future use. Well-located developments will be in accessible locations, which minimise the use of the car (and the associated energy requirements and emissions), with minimal impact on other built and natural resources. The location of new development will be assessed on the basis of a sequential approach, with priority given to previously developed land (in accessible locations) and 6 of 17

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sites within the urban area, then development on the edge of existing urban areas. This will ensure that the use of greenfield sites which have not been developed before is minimised, and that development is located in accessible locations near facilities and services, which facilitates the provision and use of public transport, cycling, and walking. Redevelopment of previously developed land also allows the materials to be reused where alternative use of existing buildings is no longer viable. Public open spaces, and sites whose landscape character or nature conservation value makes them sensitive to change, should be avoided wherever possible. This should not however preclude the use of appropriate Greenfield sites when circumstances dictate. Such sites should only be released through the Plan, Monitor, Manage approach advocated by government. 5.3 When considering the location of new development, the following issues should also be considered: 6 6.1 The potential to convert existing buildings, rather than providing new build The archaeological interest of a site, which may need to be preserved and/or recorded The protection of listed buildings and sensitive development within Conservation Areas The likelihood of flooding on the site, and the impact that any development may have on this, particularly for any development within a floodplain The use of sheltered sites, which will result in less energy loss from buildings than exposed sites Maximising the use of sites on south-facing slopes, which will have a greater potential for the capture of passive solar gain in buildings than those which are north-facing. North-facing slopes can result in significant overshadowing The location of existing services and facilities and transport links to the town centre The integration of opportunities for renewable energy The presence of wildlife habitats and species that are legally protected or otherwise of conservation concern The availability of adequate water supply and sewerage infrastructure including sewage treatment capacity The impact on the river water quality in local watercourses

Mix of Development Developments incorporating a range of uses and designs can provide a number of potential advantages in terms of energy efficiency, and produce robust and sustainable developments: A reduction in the need to travel, with opportunities for people to live, work, shop, etc in one location The creation of increased vitality and viability. The close proximity of different, but complementary uses can reinforce each other throughout the day and evening, making the area more attractive to residents, workers, shoppers etc. Opportunities for higher densities and intensive activity at accessible locations Increased natural surveillance throughout the day and evening 7 of 17

Ensuring a range of housing opportunities through the provision of a variety of dwelling types, size, affordability and accessibility Mixed use development can make CHP (Combined Heat and Power) more viable due to the different patterns of energy demand from the various users

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Developments should therefore look to comprise mixed uses, or enhance the existing mix of uses in an area. Site Layout The layout of a site can make a significant difference to the energy used in buildings, and for access and movement within and outside of the site. The layout of any new development should: Maximise use of land, with higher housing densities in appropriate locations, whilst still providing sufficient amenity space for the occupants Make positive use of the local topography and landscape features to allow best use of natural daylight, solar energy, wind sheltering, and create development that responds to its context Orientate buildings to maximise the use of natural energy sources to provide light and heat. In order to maximise natural light and heat, the windows of the main habitable rooms should be orientated within 30 degrees of due south Locate the main habitable rooms on the south side of the building, whilst bathrooms, stairs, and storage space should be on the northern side. Kitchens, which are generally subject to heat generated from appliances, can also be situated on the north Minimise overshadowing from trees and buildings through careful positioning of buildings within the existing landscape setting. Deciduous trees can provide shade from glare during the summer, whilst bare branches allow solar access in the winter Topography, trees and buildings can provide shelter from northerly winds and create an attractive landscape, in character with the area. However, there can be conflict between the provision of shelter and overshadowing, and care needs to be taken to find an optimum solution that reconciles both objectives. Any layout should avoid the occurrence of wind tunnels (such as along uninterrupted road passages) Encourage social contact and community responsibility Integrate market and affordable housing to ensure a mixed community, variety of house types, sizes and designs to provide a range of housing opportunities Make adequate and accessible provision for the storage of recyclable materials and separation of waste Provide composting facilities Provide open space of an appropriate size, location and design to encourage widespread use by all ages Avoid isolating or fragmenting wildlife habitats or creating barriers to the movement of important species

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Accessibility and Movement Transport usage results in significant energy demands and emissions of greenhouses gases, as well as resulting in local air and noise pollution, and congestion with associated economic losses and stresses. The location of homes, workplaces, shops and other facilities have a significant impact on transport usage. Similarly the availability of car parking, and the attractiveness of other means of transport to the private car all contribute to individuals transport choices. In order to reduce dependence on the private car and its associated impacts, new developments should: Ensure opportunities are taken to maximise use of public transport, walking, cycling and new technologies for transport as they arise Ensure integration with existing development and incorporate good pedestrian, cycle and public transport links both within and beyond the development area Provide appropriate levels of parking provision in accordance with the parking standards adopted by the Council, whilst encouraging alternative modes of transport. The Councils parking standards are set out in Supplementary Planning Guidance Implement a Travel Plan where appropriate Provide convenient and secure cycle storage Provide accessible buildings for a wide range of users including people with mobility or sensory impairments, people with learning difficulties, those carrying luggage or shopping, parents with young children, and older people Ensure the safety of road, cycleway and footpath users

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Building Design, Water and Energy Consumption When designing a building, consideration needs be given to the energy requirements for its construction, use, reuse and eventual demolition. There are many different elements of building design and construction that impact on the environment. Buildings should also be designed to include measures that will reduce water use, reuse water and make use of rainwater. Building Form The form of a building, in terms of its shape, volume and surface area, plays an important role in reducing costs and use of materials, maximising natural solar energy for heat and light, and allowing natural ventilation. In general: Detached buildings can be inefficient whilst linked buildings reduce heat loss through the walls Wide buildings, as well as buildings that are too deep in plan, are difficult to light and ventilate naturally To minimise heat loss through external walls, the smallest possible ratio of external wall and roof area to volume will give the most energy efficient results Buildings should be versatile and adaptable to be capable of conversion and provide for different occupiers over time. The robustness of a building depends on access arrangements, plan depth and height Pitched roofs have a number of advantages over flat roofs: (i) less maintenance and fewer leaks; (ii) they allow for solar panels (if between 15 and 40 degrees of due south); and (iii) additional rooms can be created in the roof space Steep roofs facing prevailing winds can break up wind flow 9 of 17

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Green roofs make buildings more thermally efficient, prolong the life of a roof, moderate surface water run-off, help to reduce air pollution and noise, and provide greenspace for wildlife and people Buildings should be designed to enable the reuse and recycling of water through grey water systems Water butts should be fitted on downpipes to enable rainwater harvesting

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Passive solar design Passive solar design entails the use of space and glazed areas within a building to enhance natural light, improve energy efficiency through maximising passive solar gain and minimising heat loss, and provide natural ventilation. Passive solar design can be enhanced by: Locating conservatories on the east or west-facing walls to provide comfortable heat levels. However, they should not be heated, and should be separated from the main house by doors or shutters Incorporating larger glazed areas on the south-facing faade to provide solar heat and light, although summer overheating and winter heat loss are to be avoided North-facing windows should be kept to a minimum to provide for natural lighting and ventilation only Appropriately sited rooflights and atria may increase opportunities for natural lighting and solar heat gain Providing lobbies and entrance porches which reduce heat loss through external doors, but these should not be heated Incorporating light/sun pipes within developments which contain areas that are difficult to light naturally.

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Insulation Good insulation can make considerable energy savings, resulting in lower heating costs throughout the life of the building. Whilst some insulation can be added later, it is more effective and cheaper to incorporate insulation during the original construction. However, adequate ventilation needs to be provided to avoid condensation. In order to minimise the heating of a building: Thermal insulation to roofs, walls and floors should exceed current building regulation standards Windows must be double glazed and have low emissivity glass to comply with current Building Regulations. Triple glazing should be considered (provided the character of older buildings is not compromised). Windows and doors should also be adequately draught-proofed Hot water pipes and the hot water tank must be lagged

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Materials Embodied energy is the energy used in obtaining the raw materials and manufacturing a product. Materials with very high embodied energy (such as PVC) should be avoided. When evaluating the use of materials with respect to the environmental impact, consideration needs to be given to the whole process of obtaining the raw material: processing, delivery, construction and disposal. The design of the building and all materials should be easy to maintain to save time, costs, and increase the longevity of 10 of 17

the building. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) provides the methodology for the calculation of The Carbon Index, to demonstrate compliance with the Buildings Regulations. The embodied energy and environmental impact of a building can be reduced by using: Demolition materials Local and recycled building materials where available, to reflect the local character and minimise the energy used in transportation Materials that require low energy for manufacture Materials from renewable sources. Avoid those whose production damages the environment Some plastics and UPVC can be environmentally damaging to produce and form highly toxic waste. Alternatives should therefore be used Timber from certified sustainable sources, such as those accredited with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) trademark Off-site fabrication uses less time and materials and can lead to better quality control and less construction waste, although it can result in greatly increased delivery distances and lessen the use of locally sourced materials. The benefits/disbenefits should be compared and considered for individual cases Paints and varnishes which are self-coloured, have a natural finish or have a low solvent content, avoiding toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many high gloss paints and varnishes

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Energy and water efficient appliances The appliances that are used to provide heat, energy and other services are major consumers of energy. There are many ways in which energy and water consumption within a building can be improved. Energy and water efficient behaviour by the occupiers should be encouraged, including: Providing efficient boilers condensing boilers are the most efficient conventional system Providing energy efficient appliances, especially white goods such as washing machines, fridges and lighting Fitting thermostatic valves to radiators and avoiding heating empty rooms Fitting sensors to minimise wasting electricity and waste Providing separate shower units, and avoiding power showers Using low flush or dual flush cisterns Incorporating low flow spray taps and sensor taps Specifying low-water use domestic appliances (such as washing machines)

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Renewable energy Renewable Energy comprises energy generated from readily renewable, non polluting sources such as sunlight, wind, and water (rather than from finite supplies of fossil fuels). The Government is committed to increasing the amount of energy supplied from renewable sources in order to provide alternative energy sources to fossil fuels and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. The Government is proposing that 10% of the UK electricity needs should be met from renewables by 2010. Sources of sustainable energy include solar energy, wind power, bioenergy, geothermal energy, 11 of 17

and hydropower. Many schemes offer the opportunity for community involvement and ownership, which the Council encourages. 10.2 Developers should consider the contribution that renewable energy technologies can make to meeting the energy requirements of a new development. Potential technologies that could be exploited in new developments include: Photovoltaic cells These convert the suns energy into electricity and can be incorporated on buildings as tiles, cladding, or other roof covering. The generated electricity can be stored in batteries, powered direct to some appliances, or incorporated into the National Grid supply. Grants are available for some small-scale installations (see Energy Savings Trust contact details below). Solar water heating Solar water heating roof panels absorb solar radiation to heat water. These panels are the most commonly used form of solar energy currently used today and a typical installed system can provide 50-70% of hot water needs over the year. Once installed, solar water heating systems require very little maintenance and should last for decades. The installation of photovoltaic cells and solar water panels can have a visual impact, although this can be minimised through siting and design. The incorporation of solar water panels and photovoltaic cells on buildings at the design/construction stage usually allows better integration with the materials and design of the building, and entails less wastage of materials. This can involve the replacement of roof tiles (or other roofing material) with the photovoltaic system or solar panels. However, these systems can also be retro-fitted on top of the roof of an existing building. Small scale wind turbines Wind turbines enable the harnessing of wind to generate electricity and may be suitable on sites with some open space, such as industrial or leisure sites including in and around the town. Medium sized turbines can generate an average of 15kWh per day which is comparable to a normal household consumption. Combined heat and power Combined heat and power schemes use the waste heat generated during the production of electricity to heat or cool buildings. Community heating schemes will work most efficiently when supplying a mix of nearby residential and commercial buildings due to the diverse heating and electricity requirements throughout the day. Biomass Plant and animal matter can be used for fuel directly by burning or extraction of combustible oils, for example fuel crops, tree chippings. Biomass can be an appropriate means of heating schools and community buildings. Sustainable Drainage and wastewater New development often results in an increase in impermeable areas that reduce water infiltration and increase surface water runoff. Surface water runoff can damage the environment by increasing the risk of flooding and pollution, reducing groundwater 12 of 17

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levels to the detriment of vegetation, altering the ecology of watercourses and damaging established habitats through sudden increases in water flow. Road lengths, and the use of hard surfacing materials such as tarmac and concrete that increase runoff, should be minimised. The Council also supports the use of sustainable foul water drainage systems. 11.2 Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are a concept that focuses on the construction and maintenance of drainage systems with the aim of minimising any damage to the environment. They reduce the potential for flooding and provide an opportunity for improved water quality and environmental enhancements such as improved wildlife habitats and landscape quality. The main aims of SUDS are to: reduce the quantity of surface water runoff; slow the velocity of runoff to allow settlement, filtering and infiltration; provide treatment to collected surface water; and control the discharge of surface water into the subsoil or a watercourse. SUDs involve a move away from traditional piped systems and generally involve physical structures or devices built to receive surface water runoff. They should be located as close as possible to where rainwater falls, so providing both attenuation and treatment using natural processes of filtration, sedimentation and biological degradation. There are a range of design options that should be considered by developers early in the design process: Source control techniques these are based on the principle of capturing water near to the source and enabling reuse or allowing direct filtration into the ground e.g. rainwater reuse, soakaways Permeable conveyance systems these allow the slow transfer of run-off water towards a watercourse allowing storage, filtering and some loss through evaporation and infiltration, e.g. French drains and swales Passive treatment systems the use of natural processes to remove and break down pollutants from surface water run-off e.g. reed beds, ponds, and wetlands

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Developers should also seek advice from the Environment Agency, highway authorities and sewerage undertakers to ensure that the design of SUDS is appropriate for the development. Legal agreements for the maintenance and operation of SUDS also need to be secured early in the planning and design stages. This is to ensure that the system continues to operate successfully long-term, and excess surface water is prevented from infiltrating and overloading the public sewerage system. Water and wastewater service provision is an important consideration in the context of sustainability. Wastewater is treated at treatment works to remove pollutants and minimise harm to the environment. However, the capacity of a treatment work is finite, and extending the capacity (or building a new treatment works) often has a long lead-in time. In cases where capacity is insufficient to meet the demand of new development, phasing will be necessary so that provision of additional capacity coincides with development. This will ensure that the environment is not adversely affected. As well as treatment capacity, water and wastewater infrastructure is an important consideration. Infrastructure in this context refers to water supply pipes and sewers that convey wastewater. To ensure more sustainable infrastructure provision, a whole-

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site, rather than piecemeal, approach should be adopted, especially at large sites and sites in mixed ownership. A whole-site approach will improve network performance, and allow the use of pumping stations to be optimised. 12 12.1 Biodiversity and Landscape Many sites, whether greenfield, or disused brownfield, support a range of flora and fauna and have various landscape features which may be threatened by new development. Sustainable development requires avoidance of harm to semi-natural habitats or populations of species that are of conservation concern. Wherever possible, sustainable development should contribute to a net gain in biodiversity through the creation of new habitats and management/enhancement of existing ones. The Council had adopted a Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy and is due to produce separate Supplementary Planning Guidance on Landscape and Biodiversity. In order to minimise damage, and enhance the local landscape character and ecology where possible, the following should be carried out and/or adopted as part of any new development: Surveys of the site and surroundings to identify protected and biodiversity action plan Priority Species, significant landscape features and wildlife habitats Interpretation of survey results in terms of development constraints and opportunities for landscape and biodiversity enhancement Assessment of ecological processes on which the nature conservation interest of the site and surroundings depends should be undertaken and provision made for their continuity if development is likely to have an impact on them Avoidance of impacts and maximising opportunities, in terms of landscape and biodiversity, should be an integral part of the development design process Links between green spaces and habitats should be maintained and, where possible, created The best practicable measures should be used to mitigate any impacts that cannot be avoided through layout design Provision should be made for the future management of the landscape and habitats within the development area. The Council may require the preparation of a landscape strategy and management plans Water, soil, land and air pollution should be avoided Use appropriate plants for the future expected climate conditions and those that can mitigate against climate change

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Health and wellbeing Buildings make a major contribution to our quality of life because of the environment they provide for work, leisure and home. They must provide a healthy, comfortable environment, and provide appropriate amenities for the activities carried out. (EcoHomes, BRE, 2000). New developments should, therefore: Incorporate recommended crime prevention and safety measures in accordance with the principles of Secure by Design Ensure appropriate use of landscaping and planting which takes account of personal safety and improved surveillance of public areas and play space

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Ensure that new external lighting provides a secure environment whilst avoiding the nuisance of light pollution Ensure that the layout and design of new buildings maximises natural light within the building Provide appropriate, and suitably located, open space and amenity space to provide for a range of users Ensure that the layout, design and insulation measures of new buildings minimises potential noise disturbance to future occupiers Encourage community involvement and participation in the development process Include new highways designed to encourage speed restraint and safe opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists, and use materials that will minimise any noise pollution Identify contaminated land and implement sufficient mitigation Be based on air quality impact assessments to maintain the air quality within acceptable limits Maximise sound insulation, particularly in high density developments Minimise wasteful spillage from lighting, which can be a nuisance to neighbouring residents Ensure that housing is built to Lifetime Homes standards, to ensure that they will meet the needs of most households Ensure that new development is located and designed to minimise odour nuisance to occupiers from existing and potential sources of odours.

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Glossary CHP (Combined Heat and Power): waste heat from power generation is used for local heating/cooling or for reuse in power generation improves energy efficiency and minimises waste. EcoHomes Assessment: An environmental assessment method created by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Embodied energy: the energy used to harvest and/or manufacture a material or product. It also indicates the level of carbon dioxide and other related emissions. Environmental footprint: An assessment of the environmental impact of a person/town/activity, usually measured in terms of the land area required to support their use of natural resources. Renewable Energy: energy generated from readily renewable, non polluting sources such as sunlight, wind, and water (rather than from finite supplies of fossil fuels). Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS): On site solutions to reduce surface water run-off and provide alternative foul water treatment.

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Further information and advice Association for Environment Conscious Building, www.aecb.net The British Wind Energy Association, www.bwea.com (includes Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Development, November 1994) Building a Better Quality of Life www.dti.gov.uk/construction/sustain/ Building Research Establishment (BRE) Garston, Watford, WD2 7JR, Tel: 01923 664258, www.bre.co.uk Centre for Alternative Technology, www.cat.org.uk Centre for Sustainable Construction, BRE, www.bre.co.uk/sustainable/index Centre for Sustainable Design, www.cfsd.org.uk Climate Change, the UK Programme www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange DEFRA Sustainable Construction Team, Sone 3/J1, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU, www.construction.detr.gov.uk/sustain/index.htm. The Energy Savings Trust, 21 Dartmouth Street, London, SW1H 9DP, Tel: 020 72220101, www.energy-efficiency.org.uk, www.est.org.uk. 16 of 17

English Nature, www.english-nature.org.uk The Environment Agency, www.environment-agency.gov.uk The European Union, www.europa.eu.int/scadplus/leg/en/s15000.htm The Housing Forum, www.thehousingforum.org.uk Revised Deposit Draft Local Plan Review 1996-2016, www.basingstoke.gov.uk/planning Rethinking Construction, The Egan Report www.rethinkingconstruction.org South East England Regional Assembly, www.southeast-ra.gov.uk Sustainable Construction Team, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU, Tel: 020 7944 3000, www.detr.gov.uk Sustainable Drainage: www.ciria.org.uk/suds/ Sustainable Homes, www.sustainablehomes.co.uk Sustainability Works, www.sustainabilityworks.org.uk Thames Water, www.thameswater.co.uk Urbed, 41 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5RF, tel: 0161 226 7303, www.urbed.co.uk

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