Sustainable Suburbia In Essex

The Energy Saving Trust reports that Essex could become the site of a sustainable development, which would see ten per cent of power coming from renewable sources.

The government has backed plans by Essex county council to impose green regulations on builders to ensure that new housing meets environmental objectives. Under the proposals, 100 green points would have to be achieved per hectare before building could go ahead.

Points would be assigned for each tree and for each measure aimed at encouraging wildlife. The plan would see each home with an assortment of recycling bins and backing onto children-friendly ten mph roads.

Developments larger than ten houses would have to generate ten per cent of their own energy by using wind turbines, solar energy and biomass. Biodiversity would be encouraged, with each village having its own pond and an emphasis being put on vegetation.