Comment

Representation ID: 616

Received: 18/01/2024

Respondent: Environment Agency

Regarding Section 1 (c) of the policy, new developments should allow for additional waste storage and segregation at source, including in homes and commercial premises, for example for food wastes and batteries. Accessibility considerations around handling waste are also a factor. It’s important the space is designed so that the elderly, infirm or disabled residents can move bags or bins easily, especially when segregating waste. Building design can also help to minimise problems such as fly tipping in insecure communal areas. The term ‘significant’ in section 2 is ambiguous and it would help if this was quantified or defined.

We are advocating the adoption of “Whole Life” plans (or “Passports”), for all buildings to reduce energy, conserve water, and control carbon emissions and waste, not only during construction but during use, maintenance, refurbishment and enlargement, repurposing and at end-of-life.

Please also consider the case for a ‘derelict buildings strategy’, so that useful structures containing embedded carbon are not abandoned and left to decay until they need demolition but are retained in a positive use for as long as possible.