Nationally and locally, policies and strategies have been introduced to mitigate the risks of climate change, reduce fuel poverty, improve energy security and tackle unhealthy conditions in homes. Delivery on those policies and strategies will involve extensive retrofit work on much of our housing stock.
In Letchworth, a significant proportion of homes are subject to the Letchworth Heritage Foundation Scheme of Management, and the associated “Design Principles” are now 10 years old. Most Letchworth homes are subject to a two-tier planning system. North Herts Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for Letchworth, draws on an older edition of the “Design Principles”, and needs updating. The impacts are that the Design Principles and the SPG currently preclude or discourage many retrofit options needed to deliver climate change and sustainability policies.
Technology has also evolved since this local planning guidance was introduced. The efficiency and appearance of solar panels (PV) have improved. Roofing manufacturers offer options for setting solar panels on top or recessed into roof tiles, including traditional clay tiles found in many older properties. Extensive planning guidance related to satellite dishes now seems outdated and instead, residents need more clarity on planning restrictions for car chargers, home batteries, heat pumps and air-conditioning units.
The older housing stock often needs significant improvement and lies within conservation areas. This housing will often benefit from external insulation. Solutions are now well-developed and typically involve adding a layer of insulation and then covering this with a weatherproof coating, such as render. This can closely match the original character of the home. Appeals to the Planning Inspectorate show that external insulation can be introduced to blend in so convincingly with the street scene that it can be approved on appearance alone, without having to argue the energy-saving benefits.
Decarbonise Letchworth seeks to alleviate energy costs and the stress and uncertainty for households who want to make improvements that contribute to a lower carbon society. The group seeks to persuade both planning authorities to clarify and modernise their guidance on changes of external appearance, inside and outside our conservation areas, whilst keeping Letchworth special. The attached document describes the groups ideas for updating design guidance in Letchworth.
