Recent reports suggest the government may water down planned environmental building regulations and only "encourage" housebuilders to put solar panels on new properties.

If we want the Future Homes Standard to make our homes fit for the future, solar panels should be required whenever it’s possible.

This reversal is madness because the measure has widespread public support.

It’s obvious that the house builders just want to make more profit and don’t care about their customers reducing their energy bills or the benefit to the environment that would result from climate-friendly standards.

The excuse, according to a government spokesperson, is that solar panels may not be the best option for new homes surrounded by trees.

Surely, a solution can be found to this?

For example, a builder could pay a small fee to have an assessment done by council officers to verify that a particular property wouldn't be suitable for solar panels.

The most efficient time to put solar panels on a roof is when a house is being built and we can’t afford to be inefficient any longer if we want the country to thrive.

 

Emma Grainger
Ottery St Mary