News archive for 2017
New Carbon Price set out in New Draft London Plan
Posted on December 6th 2017
The long awaited New London Plan was published by the Greater London Authority for consultation last week. As part of its viability assessment it has used a 50% higher price for carbon than is currently the GLA’s suggested offset price. The new London Plan (p. 327) states that ‘a nationally recognised non-traded price of £95/tonne has been tested as part of …
Planning Success at Acton Gardens
Posted on December 6th 2017
We are delighted to have supported Acton Gardens LLP (a joint venture between Countryside Properties and L&Q) in devising an integrated energy, sustainability and overheating strategy for Phase 9.1 of the Acton Gardens Masterplan. The London Borough of Ealing Planning Committee voted to approve this consent earlier this month. The phase will consist of 68 residential apartments and associated parking, …
Elena becomes a RIBA Chartered Architect
Posted on December 6th 2017
We are delighted to announce that Elena Pana, who leads on our environmental modelling team, recently became a Chartered Architect with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). With a background in architectural engineering and expertise in advanced computer modelling, Elena focuses on specialist sustainable design input to large residential projects. Using her architectural background and strong skills in dynamic thermal …
Christmas Quiz 2017
Posted on December 6th 2017
The winner of our quiz will be able to nominate a charity to receive a £500 donation from us. Please click here to access the Christmas Quiz. Closing date for entries is 5pm on 20th December 2017 Winner to be notified via email. *In the event that we have more than one correct submission, a winner shall be drawn from a …
First Year of Zero Carbon Policy Experience
Posted on November 16th 2017
It has been one year since the implementation of the ‘Zero Carbon Homes’ standard by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as of 1st October 2017. As ‘Zero Carbon Homes’ has been defined as part of Policy 5.2 of the London Plan, it expects all major residential developments to achieve a 35% reduction over Part L 2013 on site, with the …
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
Posted on November 16th 2017
As stated in ‘The Private Rented Property Minimum Standard’, from April 1st 2018, landlords of Domestic and Non-Domestic properties in England and Wales will need to demonstrate compliance with minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES), as defined above, in order to be able to rent them or renew tenancies. Domestic and Non-Domestic buildings will be subject to the following requirements: from …
Homeowners Demand Thermal Imaging to Support Higher Standards
Posted on November 16th 2017
Homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of build quality issues within their new homes. In a number of instances, occupiers have had a thermal imaging survey undertaken to demonstrate areas of poorly fitted insulation within the property. To combat these issues, we recommend undertaking sample thermal imaging surveys on a selection of plots across a site to ensure continuity of insulation …
Enabling Construction underway at Prince of Wales Drive, Battersea
Posted on November 16th 2017
Construction work is underway at Prince of Wales Drive, an ambitious residential led scheme by St William Homes LLP in Battersea. Our approach has been to engage early with the design team in order to develop a façade strategy that optimises the energy strategy with overheating risk and natural daylight availability. Overheating is a customer experience issue and one that …
London’s Draft Solar Action Plan Promotes PV Panels Through Planning
Posted on October 11th 2017
The draft London Solar Action Plan was published by the Mayor of London for consultation on 11th August. It sets out a key target to encourage more solar energy installations through the planning system, including for new development and retrofitted on existing buildings. The new draft London Plan, to be published in November this year, will continue to encourage major …
Planning Success at Trent Park
Posted on October 11th 2017
We are delighted to have supported Berkeley Homes (North East London) Ltd in devising an integrated energy and overheating strategy for the proposed residential development at Trent Park in the London Borough of Enfield. The development will provide 232 new flats and houses, and include the refurbishment of an existing Grade II Listed Mansion House and Stable Block to provide …