Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 18 June 2010

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Contents

Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

To ask the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Brian Gibbons (Aberavon): Has an assessment been made of the impact of the new TAN 22: Planning for Sustainable Buildings in relation to; Private house building costs; affordable housing costs; and business premises construction costs. (WAQ56095)

Answer issued on 22 June 2010

Technical Advice Note 22 provides advice for developers and local planning authorities on the implementation of national planning policy on Planning for Sustainable Buildings published May 2009.

In arriving at this policy the impacts on local planning authorities and developers were identified and taken into account in deciding on the minimum sustainable building standard set. Cost data was drawn from published research by Communities and Local Government on the cost implications of sustainability and carbon standards.

Updated cost data in March 2010 has shown that achieving Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes for market and affordable housing can increase the build cost by 3-4% (£2,000 to £3,020). Comparable data is not available for business premises due to the diversity of building types.