The Government’s net zero and economic growth ambitions could be ‘derailed by a lack of clarity’ on decarbonising older buildings, a report has argued.
The London Property Alliance (LPA) said there was little guidance for local authorities on how to weigh up the relative economic, social and environmental impacts of retrofit and redevelopment schemes.
The body, which represents companies involved in central London real estate, said a survey of its members found 40% had experienced planning delays and 17% had abandoned development plans or site acquisitions due to uncertainty around how proposals would be assessed.
Its report argues that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) should be updated with a consistent process for measuring the impacts of retrofit and redevelopment schemes.
The report also says investment to improve the energy efficiency of historic and listed buildings should be incentivised.
The director of planning at Lambeth Council, Rob Bristow, said: ‘The issues within planning have become increasingly complex, particularly as we rise to the challenge of tackling climate change and rightly set ambitious net zero targets.
‘These are practical and easily implementable amendments to the NPPF that will help planners, elected members, applicants and communities to better understand and assess the merits of development in a balanced and proportionate manner.’
