York has its eyes set on becoming a city recognised for its green credentials when it comes to development.
The council's cabinet strategy member will be asked today (May 21st 2012) to agree proposals that will improve its status as a leading environmentally friendly and sustainable city.
Councillor Dave Merrett will discuss how to improve the standards of sustainable development through the authority's planning system, by working through specific recommendations over the coming year.
Recommendations include investigating what local builders and developers would find useful to help them design more sustainable developments and assessing skills gaps and training and development opportunities.
The council believes it has led by example with developments such as the Hazel Court eco depot and the authority's new accommodation at West Offices, proof that that re-use of historic buildings can achieve high standards of sustainable design and construction.
Exceptions
Cllr Merrett said: “Examples like Joseph Rowntree’s Derwenthorpe housing development, where units are fast being snapped up, and the Discus Bungalow eco homes in St Ann’s Court are great examples of sustainable developments, but so far they’re exceptions rather than the norm.
"Alongside the wider challenges to the industry, we recognise there’s also limited knowledge and some caution regarding more sustainable designs, and we’d like to encourage the development community to help overcome these barriers.
"The intention here is to convince developers of the long-term benefits of investing in more sustainable developments.”
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