The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 17 January 2024 to discuss planning policy in relation to Net Zero and existing buildings, and to receive an update on the Libraries Strategy and Restructure. The meeting also reviewed the Commission's work programme for the upcoming year.

Planning Policy, Net Zero and Existing Buildings

The Commission explored how Hackney Council can utilise its planning powers to encourage the retrofitting of existing and heritage buildings to meet Net Zero targets. Presentations were given by representatives from Westminster City Council, Lynch Architects Ltd, and Hackney Council's own planning department. Historic England was unable to attend but provided a written submission.

Westminster City Council shared details of their Retrofit Taskforce, established to address challenges in retrofitting their extensive building stock, including heritage buildings. This taskforce, supported by Innovate UK funding, focuses on five workstreams: an archetype approach and retrofit procurement club, planning policy and process, partnership pilot projects, neutral and collaborative stewardship, and communications, guidance, and training. Westminster highlighted their work on developing a retrofit first planning policy and exploring the use of planning legislation such as local development orders and heritage partnership agreements. They noted that while their building stock is varied, they are working to streamline planning processes and provide clearer guidance to encourage retrofit.

Hackney Council's Principal Conservation and Design Officer, Adam Dyer, presented on the borough's built environment, noting that over half of Hackney's buildings are historic. He outlined the council's commitment to Net Zero and how planning policy can support this, emphasizing that heritage buildings are a source of embodied carbon and that their reuse and refurbishment is crucial. Hackney is leading the Low Carbon Development workstream for London Councils, aiming to collaborate on policy and guidance. A Low Carbon Development Toolkit has been launched, and the council is updating its website with high-level retrofit guidance for heritage buildings. Hackney is also revising its Extension and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document to include a significant section on retrofit. The council is working with Hackney Light and Power to ensure grants for solar panels are appropriately managed for listed buildings and is collaborating with the Housing Retrofit Strategy, having secured £4.5 million for social housing decarbonisation.

Lynch Architects Ltd presented a case study of their work at 195 Mare Street, a Grade II* listed building. They detailed how their proposals aim to balance conservation with sustainability, incorporating energy efficiency measures and low-carbon technologies to reduce heating costs and make the building viable for a family home while also allowing for community use. Their approach prioritises a fabric first strategy, aiming for a 90.8% carbon saving compared to the existing building. They highlighted the importance of pre-application discussions with Hackney Council and Historic England in developing their proposals.

During the discussion, members raised questions about the enforceability of retrofit standards, the use of local development orders in conservation areas, and the effectiveness of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). It was noted that while councils have powers to encourage retrofit, financial incentives and clear guidance are crucial. The need for upskilling the workforce and the challenges of creating approved contractor lists were also discussed.

Libraries Strategy and Restructure Update

This item was postponed at the request of local trade unions, who wished to present the views of their members in response to the Council's update on the staffing restructure and the delivery of the new Libraries Strategy. The Chair indicated that this item would be referred as a work programme suggestion for the new municipal year.

Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission Work Programme 2023/24

The Commission reviewed its work programme for the remainder of the municipal year. Members were encouraged to submit suggestions for future agenda items for consideration by the new Commission in May 2024.