Advice Note on Policy DES10: Carbon Reduction
This advice note has been produced to provide guidance on the application of Policy DES10: Carbon Reduction from the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035. It includes information on the policy requirements; how the requirements should be met; what type of applications the requirements apply to; and when and how to demonstrate compliance.
From 1st April 2021 the requirements of Policy DES10 must be strictly adhered to and met prior to planning permission being granted unless a condition is applied to an Outline application allowing for an Energy Statement to be submitted at Reserved Matters stage.
Please note: Policy DES10 previously required a 40% reduction in carbon emissions compared with the 2013 Building Regulations. From 31 March 2026, this requirement has increased to a 50% reduction against the 2013 Building Regulations, in line with the stepped approach set out in the policy. This applies to all new-build residential dwelling houses, developments that include 1,000sqm or more of C2 use, and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), as well as all other major non‑residential development of 1,000sqm or more.
The Policy DES10 advice note has been updated accordingly to reflect the increased carbon‑reduction requirement from 31 March 2026.
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