AQW 2721/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 26/02/2020
Answered On Date: 11/03/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how she will ensure planning regulations will be updated to achieve zero emissions by 2030 for (i) businesses; (ii) homes; and (iii) government venues.

Answer:

There are no planning regulations to update in relation to the energy and environmental performance of new buildings, including businesses, homes and government venues. Such matters are governed by building regulations for which the Department of Finance (DoF) has primary responsibility.

DoF has advised that target carbon dioxide rates for new buildings are dealt with in Building Regulations and the need is recognised for these rates to continue to be reduced as part of the work to achieve the net zero carbon target.

DoF officials are fully aware of relevant consultations on proposals for amendments to Building Regulations in England, of similar proposals for Wales, and of recent uplifts in the Republic of Ireland and are progressing proposals here with these in mind.

Whilst there are no planning regulations to update, I am nevertheless strongly committed, within the areas of my responsibility, to working to ensure that the planning system and my Department plays its part in achieving the net zero carbon target. Regarding my Department’s responsibilities under the two tier planning system, regional guidance in the Regional Development Strategy 2035 (RDS) and regional planning policy contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS), already emphasises how planning authorities should mitigate and adapt to climate change. This includes, encouraging increased use of micro-generation in new buildings and requiring the siting, design and layout of all new development to limit likely greenhouse gas emissions and minimise resource and energy requirements.