Maidenhead & Windsor

A future where 'greener' buildings will use fewer of the earth's resources and help make the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough a more sustainable place to live, work and visit is the aim of a new planning document now out for consultation.

The draft Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out detailed advice and guidance for anyone planning new homes or businesses (or refurbishing existing properties) so that the borough can ensure buildings provided in the future:

* use less energy overall and more from renewable sources
* reduce water consumption
* cut pollution
* reduce waste and
* are made of materials that have a lesser impact on the environment.

It will also mean that builders and developers will be guided towards appropriate landscaping and tree planting that add to the local environment, promoting a borough where trees and plants are a key part of any building design.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and development, said the SPD would play a significant part in the way future development took place in the borough.

She said: "It is inconceivable that we can allow future development to happen without proper controls on the impact buildings have on the local – and global – environment.

"The council is determined to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of all development, whatever its size. We have a responsibility to make a significant contribution to maintaining and preserving our environment and I believe this document will play a key part in how our borough shapes it green credentials for years to come."

Consultation on the draft SPD starts on Friday 7 November and runs for six weeks. Copies of the document can be viewed at the council's customer service centre in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, and York House, Sheet Street, Windsor, and in local libraries. It is available from the planning policy service by emailing planning-policy@rbwm.gov.uk or by writing to: Planning Policy Manager, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead