Bracknell

Bracknell Residents are being invited to comment on plans to make sure all new buildings in Bracknell Forest are as environmentally friendly as possible.

The draft Bracknell Sustainable Resource Management Supplementary Planning Document calls on developers to design new buildings with high levels of energy efficiency, conserve water and incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels.

The plan also includes measures for minimising the environmental impact when a building is being constructed - like pollution and waste.

The plan is being written because buildings use not only resources like energy and raw materials during construction, but generate waste and emissions when in use.

Figures show that the construction industry is responsible for nearly a third of all cases of industrial pollution, and the energy used in constructing, occupying and operating buildings leads to about half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, which then contributes towards climate change.

The plan will form part of Bracknell Forest’s Local Development Framework, a wide-ranging set of planning documents which will take over from the local plan and run until 2026.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "There is a lot developers can do to make sure their new buildings minimise their impact on the environment.

"Once we have fully considered your views, this document will mean everyone from developers, householders and the Council will be constructing more environmentally friendly buildings.”

The full consultation document can be downloaded from the Council’s website www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ldf or call 01344 352000. Comments should be received by January 11.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council