MP CALLS FOR TOUGHER ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS ON NEW BUILDINGS

8.22.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Oct 2007

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has backed moves in Parliament to protect council's rights to set energy efficiency standards higher than current building regulations. She has also called for planning authorities to require at least 10% of the energy needed for new developments to be gnerated from on-site renewable sources.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"I am extremely concerned that Government Ministers look set to undermine commitment to these two important principles in a draft statement due on Climate Change. If we are to get serious about combating global warming, planning authorities must be given every encouragement to improve energy efficiency for new developments."

Mrs Burt has joined forces with a cross party group of MPs, backing motions in Parliament allowing councils to set higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings and supporting the 'Merton Rule' adopted by many councils for at least 10 per cent of energy on new build to be generated through on-site renewable energy technologies where viable.