This paper seeks agreement to approve the output of the proposed environmental building design standards which will set the standard for future developments and retrofit of housing schemes across the county. At Cabinet on 26 November 2020 the decision was taken on how the council would progress the delivery of net carbon zero affordable housing across the county over the coming years.

Cabinet also approved the appointment of an independent expert to advise on building housing to maximise the environmental benefits to meet the council’s climate emergency responsibilities.

That:

(a)   The Herefordshire Future Homes report be approved; and

(b)  The recommendations in the report are adopted as the recognised standards for future housing developments and retrofit work undertaken by the council with the removal of paragraph 7 of the covering report.

1.             The council could choose not to define future environmental building design standards for housing delivered by the council in the county and allow the current standards to remain. However, the council has declared a climate emergency, recognising the severe impacts of climate change and the need for urgent action. The proposal for the council to advance housing and have at least an element of control over design helps deliver the council’s environmental policy commitments and aligns to the success measures in the County Plan so therefore this option was rejected.