Housing Developments

Oral Answers to Questions — Energy – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 January 1991.

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Photo of Anthony Steen Anthony Steen , South Hams 12:00, 28 January 1991

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what statutory provisions cover consultations between the electricity industry and a developer prior to new house building developments.

Photo of David Heathcoat-Amory David Heathcoat-Amory , Wells

There is no statutory requirement for formal consultation in the relevant electricity or planning legislation.

Photo of Anthony Steen Anthony Steen , South Hams

Is my hon. Friend aware that new houses throughout the country are being built close to underground cables and overhead wires and without a guarantee of adequate supplies? That happens because there is no statutory requirement to consult the electricity industry. However, there is a statutory requirement to consult the National Rivers Authority before planning permission is granted. Will my hon. Friend say something to my constituents who are regularly plunged into darkness when the local sub-station is overloaded? Too many houses are being built without consultation with the electricity industry with the result that local electricity boards cannot cope despite all their efforts.

Photo of David Heathcoat-Amory David Heathcoat-Amory , Wells

It is sensible for developers to consult the electricity companies before proceeding, to ensure adequacy of supply. But I assure my hon. Friend that the suppliers can levy reasonable charges on developers to recoup the cost of the necessary transmission lines and plant to service new developments. The charges do not fall on my hon. Friend's constituents.

Photo of Tony Lloyd Tony Lloyd Shadow Spokesperson (Work and Pensions)

As it is in new buildings that thermal efficiency is most advantageously applied, why is there no statutory requirement on developers to consult not only electricity suppliers but other energy suppliers to ensure that houses have the maximum energy efficiency?

Photo of David Heathcoat-Amory David Heathcoat-Amory , Wells

The energy efficiency requirements for new houses are covered in the building regulations, which were updated and improved in April last year. They should improve the thermal efficiency of new houses by about 20 per cent.