By Latifa Yedroudj, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
New guidelines for housing developers designed to cut carbon emissions are being developed in Broxtowe as part of the local council’s plan to meet a ‘net zero’ target within two years.
The planning policy aims to encourage more sustainable building practices across the borough.
It will offer detailed advice for developers on how to lower the environmental impact of new housing and commercial sites.
The plan, developed by Nottingham City Council and specialist consultants Bioregional, is part of Broxtowe’s broader climate action plan to achieve net zero by 2027.
The guidelines are not a legally binding document, but will offer more detailed advice to developers on environmentally sustainable building practises.
It includes more efficient building designs that need less heating and electricity, sustainable drainage systems and using renewable energy such as solar panels.
It will also encourage developers to reuse and recycle materials, choose more sustainable materials and promote building retrofit.
Retrofit involves upgrading an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, safety, or sustainability.
This involves adding insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, solar panels or low-energy lighting.
A total of 19 responses to the plan were received over a six-week public consultation last year including the Environment Agency, Natural England, and local planning experts.
Natural England encouraged stronger links to green infrastructure and biodiversity.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency’s comments gave clearer advice on sustainable drainage systems, including the use of blue roofs and permeable paving to better manage surface water and reduce flood risks.
The document was amended following the consultation to create clearer and more practical guidelines for developers. The new advice will apply to both large and small developments.
Cllr Helen Skinner (Broxtowe Alliance), the council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said the council is committed to sustainable building practices and wants to urge developers to do the same.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We’ve declared a climate emergency and committed to reaching net zero by 2027 – we’re doing everything we can to get there.
“We’re a brilliant council that consistently punches above its weight.
“We often achieve far more than expected, and we’re fully committed to becoming carbon neutral – and, where possible, carbon zero.
“That commitment applies to everything we do.”
Acheiveing ‘net zero’ in an area refers to reaching a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere.
Nottingham City Conuncil has a similar target to become ‘carbon neutral’ by 2028.
Cllr Skinner added: “While we can manage it within our own operations, we also need others to follow suit.
“That includes looking at other homes, buildings, and services outside of the council’s direct control.
“We’re trying to do the right thing. We’re building council homes wherever we can, which isn’t always easy because we don’t own much land.
“But when we do build, we do it to exemplary standards – using quality materials, ensuring high insulation levels, and installing air source heat pumps.
“With our latest developments, for example, we didn’t just seed lawns – we used wildflower mixes to promote biodiversity. We’re doing everything we can to make our housing and operations sustainable.
“We hope developers will follow our example, rather than doing the bare minimum to comply.
The document will be discussed at Broxtowe Borough Council’s cabinet meeting on Monday, July 1 where it is recommended for approva
