Energy efficiency of 91 Lower Way homes questioned

A town councillor has questioned the energy efficiency of a recently approved housing development in Thatcham.

The Lower Way development was approved by West Berkshire Council eastern area planning committee in late January.

Dozens of residents objected to the scheme, fearing increased traffic and loss of green space.

Developer Persimmon Homes provided an energy statement which says the specified boiler for all houses will have an energy efficiency of at least 88.5 per cent.

It also states that ground and air source heat pumps had not been considered for implementation at Lower Way due to their “higher carbon dioxide emissions compared to the proposed gas boiler specification”.

Thatcham Liberal Democrat councillor David Lister, who is also a chartered engineer, has expressed concern with this statement, claiming that it is an “incorrect assertion”.

Air source heat pumps absorb heat from outside air and use it to heat homes via radiators and under floor heating. They can also heat water.

Mr Lister said that air source heat pumps produce about one third of the CO2 emissions of a gas boiler.

He said that the carbon footprint to heat these homes would therefore be around three times more than necessary.

He said: “It is disappointing that the developer appears to making incorrect assertions on the performance of air source heat pumps, and I would encourage West Berkshire Council to challenge the energy statement and ensure that buildings are built to the highest standards that support the transition towards net zero carbon.”

A West Berkshire Council planning team has since responded to say that the development provides a “package of environmental and ecological benefits”.

It said: “The application will deliver a 20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to current building regulations primarily through the inclusion of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of some of the properties."

Photovoltaic panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity which can be used in the home. This is different to solar panels, which convert solar radiation into heat.

The planning team also stated: “Further environmental benefits have been secured by way of a contribution of £68,250 towards off site landscape and biodiversity enhancements, and £79,065 towards mitigation works off site thought the maintenance and upgrade of paths around the main lake at the Nature Discovery Centre and work to prevent bank erosion alongside other projects.

“Cumulatively the scheme has delivered a package of environmental and ecological benefits.”