Policies to help make new buildings and developments in Bath and North East Somerset address climate change are being consulted upon.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is drafting a new document setting out how developments can be more energy efficient and better adapted to the impacts of climate change and wants people’s views.

The draft policy covers a range of issues, including setting a benchmark that all new build development should achieve a 19% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and that major development on existing buildings should achieve a 10% reduction in emissions.

Development should also be future-proofed to avoid overheating, which is becoming a problem as the climate warms. New buildings should also save water, reduce waste and use sustainable materials. The council aims to reduce district-wide emissions by 45% by 2029.

The consultation runs until the 27th July and details can be found at the Council’s One Stop Shop in Manvers Street, libraries and at www.bathnes.gov.uk/SustainableConstruction. Comments can be emailed to [email protected]

Following the public consultation all contributions will be looked at and the SPD amended accordingly. It will then require formal approval and adoption by B&NES Council.