Policy DEV32

Helping design teams create highly sustainable, low carbon and compliant schemes

DEV32 Planning Policy

As local planning authorities strengthen their stance on carbon reduction in the drive towards netzero, the Southwest Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP) – specifically Policy DEV32 – is a requirement for development proposals to actively reduce carbon emissions across the full lifecycle of the building, not just through operational performance.

For replacement dwellings, this introduces a new layer of rigour into the planning process.

Design teams must now demonstrate a robust, evidence-led approach to reducing whole life carbon (WLC) from the initial design stages of a project, which Mesh can assist with.

3D house model with purple roof, green walls, orange windows, and black support posts

The New Planning Policy

The DEV32 policy mandates that new developments must:

Minimise carbon emissions throughout the life of the building, including embodied carbon and operational, maintenance, and end-of-life impact.
Incorporate passive design and low-carbon technologies.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the carbon implications of material choices and construction methods.

The policy prioritises retention and retrofit over rebuild, unless it can be clearly justified.

If this is not feasible, then the replacement building must be demonstrated as the most sustainable solution and incorporate:

High levels of energy efficiency, such as to Passivhaus standards
Use of sustainable building materials
Low or zero carbon impact
Adaptability and resilience to climate change.

How Mesh can help?

Whole life carbon assessments:

We can provide clear justification by undertaking RICS-compliant WLC assessments to support planning applications where new build is proposed. This would provide clear insight into:

Embodied carbon from both materials and construction
Operational carbon from energy use
Lifecycle impact scenarios, including refurbishment cycles and end-of-life deconstruction.

Bar chart comparing annual CO2 emissions: large red bar vs smaller yellow-green bar, 83% reduction.

Bar chart comparing existing house, improved house, and proposed design with stacked cost and reduction segments

Optimisation of materials and building engineering systems

Our building performance consultants have an indepth working knowledge of DEV32 policy, and partner closely with architects and clients to inform the material selection process and achieve the optimum balance between building performance, durability, and embodied carbon. By using a combination of energy performance and specialist expertise in building services, we can significantly improve the likelihood of a design meeting DEV32 targets – cost efficiently and without overengineering.

Informed support for the planning and design process

We can provide clear and compelling evidence and apply technical rigour to demonstrate that the planning submission goes beyond minimum compliance and actively aligns with the intent of DEV32 policy. Our aim is to strengthen planning applications and reduce the risk of delays resulting from re-submissions or amendments.

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