Energy efficiency and buildings

Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK has committed to reducing carbon emissions.

The former Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) published: The carbon plan—delivering our low carbon future in December 2011 under the Climate Change Act 2008. On 14 July 2016, DECC was merged with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to form the new Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). BEIS was split in 2023 to form the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Department for Energy

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Planning News

Supreme Court clarifies interpretation of building distance requirements under Cremation Act 1902 (Wathen-Fayed v Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and another)

The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed the appeal in Wathen-Fayed v Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. It held that the term ‘crematorium’ in section 5 of the Cremation Act 1902 (CA 1902) refers specifically to ‘a ‘building fitted with appliances for the purpose of burning human remains’ (ie the crematory building). Accordingly, the distance requirements in CA 1902, s 5 must be measured from the building housing the crematory itself. Peter Goately KC and Sioned Davies, barristers at No5 Barristers’ Chambers, provide commentary on the judgment.

DBT announces plans to introduce National Licensing Policy Framework for hospitality sector

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced plans to introduce a new National Licensing Policy Framework aimed at modernising planning and licensing rules for the hospitality sector. The framework is intended to streamline the conversion of vacant retail spaces into hospitality venues and establish dedicated hospitality zones where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked. As part of the reforms, the DBT will incorporate the Agent of Change principle into national planning and licensing policy, making developers responsible for soundproofing their buildings constructed near existing pubs, clubs or music venues. These proposals will be subject to a call for evidence, to be published in due course.

Environmental Agency publishes planning reforms for industrial clusters

The Environment Agency (EA) has published key recommendations for planning reforms aimed at supporting sustainable growth in England's industrial clusters, with a specific north west regions. The recommendations stresses that forthcoming reforms are vital for achieving sustainable long-term growth. It is recommended that industrial clusters be proactively incorporated into local growth plans and developed with the necessary environmental infrastructure, such as an adequate water supply. The report also identifies significant challenges facing these clusters, including limited water resource availability and climate-related risks.

PINS publishes Business Plan for 2025–26 outlining appeals reform

The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) has published its Business Plan for 2025–26, outlining key regulatory and operational priorities for the upcoming year. The plan commits to delivering high-quality, timely decisions across all casework areas, including national infrastructure projects, planning appeals, and local plan examinations. Key initiatives include introducing a simplified appeals process following ministerial amendments to regulations, piloting concise decision writing to improve the timeliness and consistency of decisions and launching a significant recruitment campaign to ensure adequate staffing to meet performance targets.