Energy Efficiency, Renewables and the Historic Environment SPD consultation (phase two)

Background

We are passionate about our heritage in County Durham and this draft document sets out guidance for property owners considering making energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements within the historic environment, for example buildings which are listed, non-designated heritage buildings and properties within conservation areas. It supports a range of policies in the County Durham Plan (CDP) which provides a framework for new planning developments and helps to assess planning applications.

What the SPD includes

The SPD sets out guidance around energy generation and opportunities for renewable energy systems, focusing on the historic environment. The document covers:

• the heritage and planning context
• fundamental principles of energy efficiency
• energy generation and opportunities around renewable energy systems
• advice on planning requirements
• detailed guidance on the types of building fabric that can be improved such as windows, doors, roofs, walls and floors
• detailed guidance on the types of renewable energy such as solar, heat pumps, wind turbines, biomass and electric vehicle charging points

Key proposed changes

The initial draft of the SPD was supported by those who responded and was valued for the additional clarity it will provide. Nevertheless some valuable feedback was received and a number of changes have been for example additional references added to encourage retention of existing traditional fabric, greater clarity around advice relating to photovoltaics (solar panels) and additional guidance on mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, batteries and protected species.

Read the updated Objective: Energy Efficiency, Renewables and the Historic Environment SPD.

Have your say

What happens next

Responses to the consultation will be considered in drafting a final version of the SPD. Once approved, the SPD will be adopted and will be used to provide guidance to developers and to assess planning applications.