England's housing crisis is not just about the number of homes, but also about the quality and safety of those homes. As the country grapples with the consequences of climate change, the issue of overheating in buildings has become a critical concern, especially for vulnerable populations. While the government has introduced the 'future homes standard' to address energy efficiency, planning experts argue that this is not enough to prevent the construction of 'death traps'.
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) have raised alarm bells, highlighting a stark contrast between the intentions and actions of local authorities. Only about half of the local plans require new buildings to have cooling or ventilation strategies, and even fewer use recognized tools to ensure green infrastructure is adequately incorporated. This is despite the fact that research has shown that heatwaves can be deadly, with 2,700 deaths in England and Wales during the May and June heatwaves.
The issue is not just about the lack of cooling strategies in new buildings. It's also about the surrounding environment. Dan Slade, head of research and practice at the RTPI, points out that the 'future homes standard' does not consider the broader context in which the homes are built. If there are not enough trees, shading, or green spaces, the heat these homes experience can be exacerbated.
One particularly worrying aspect is the 'permitted development rights' that allow for the conversion of offices into dwellings without the regulations that apply to other homes. Many of these converted offices are glass boxes that can easily overheat, and a survey in London found that 14% of these homes had no windows that could be opened. This is a recipe for disaster, especially in the context of heatwaves.
The Woodland Trust has also called for more trees to be grown near housing in the UK for their cooling effect. The report found that more than 11 million people in the UK are living in areas where less than 10% of land gets shade from trees, with people on low incomes worst affected. England has one of the lowest tree canopy levels in Europe, and only a third of people in English towns and cities enjoy tree cover at the minimum recommended levels.
The RTPI report, 'Local Plans and the Climate Crisis', used AI to assess local plans from English councils. While the authors acknowledged that the use of AI was 'experimental', they were confident that the method gave a broadly reliable picture. However, the report did not consider whether air conditioning should be provided, and only 27% of local plans used a 'green space factor', a tool regarded by RTPI as best practice.
The government has responded by stating that all newly built homes and their surroundings must minimize unwanted heat, and that the 'future homes standard' is designed to address energy efficiency. However, planning experts argue that this is not enough, and that a more holistic approach is needed to prevent the construction of 'death traps'.
In my opinion, the issue of overheating in buildings is a critical one that requires urgent attention. The government's response is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. We need to see a more comprehensive approach that considers the broader context in which homes are built, and that prioritizes the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations. Only then can we avoid building 'death traps' and create a more sustainable and resilient future for England.
