Part L rules fall short of forcing green improvements as part of building extensions

The consultation document was widely expected to include proposals forcing homeowners building extensions to improve the energy efficiency of the rest of their property.

These measures, known as consequential improvements, were removed from the consultation when it was formerly announced last week.

However, John Healey, the planning and housing minister, did announce that the scheme will lead to a 25% improvement on current standards for new homes or buildings from 2010.

Speaking at an Royal Town Planning Institute conference in London to announce the consoltation he said: “The new homes of the future must be built with better insulation, better low carbon lighting and better boilers.”

Steve Irving, of Faber Maunsell, speaking at Sustainabilitylive!, explains Part L click below to listen.

Luke Walsh