10/03/2010

Manchester property sites to benefit from green expertise

Property in Manchester could gain from new government funding to update the green expertise of council planning officials.

Local authorities will receive almost £10 million to help them understand how to make their area greener, when deciding whether to give planning permission to new housing developments or renewable energy projects.

Housing developments should meet key green criteria such as enabling residents to walk between home and work, or having electric car charging points.

Manchester is already part of the local carbon framework pilot, a £3 billion government scheme to help councils clarify their climate change targets and develop clear strategies for reducing emissions, which is likely to attract environmentally-conscious renters and buyers to the city.

The results of the Manchester pilot will be announced towards the end of the year and potentially rolled out in towns across the rest of the country.

On the new proposals, housing and planning minister John Healey said: "The tougher, better guidelines for planning give councils a new blueprint, reflecting the latest targets and ensuring councils put combating climate change at the heart of future development – ultimately saving people money on their bills and reducing emissions."