The government has backed a new planned aimed at making developers in Warwick district make their new homes more energy efficient.

Warwick District Council's new planning policy will put an expectation on builders to make new houses and buildings net zero carbon in terms of regulated energy.

The authority said the requirements - detailed in the Net Zero Carbon Development Plan Document (DPD) - are "critical" to its "ambitious" Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The policy will be considered by Cabinet on 15 May 2024, which will then decide whether to give the full council the choice of formally adopting it.

Programme director for climate change, Dave Barber commented: "Reducing the carbon footprint of all buildings is a key priority identified in the council's corporate strategy.

"Housing makes up around 20 per cent of all carbon emissions across Warwick district, with institutional, industrial and commercial buildings making up a further 20 per cent.

"The council is therefore delighted to be implementing this planning policy in the district, and also extremely proud to be amongst the first councils in the country to do so.

"By acting now, the council can ensure that developers play their part in designing homes that do not use fossil fuels, therefore avoiding the need for expensive retrofits when the old-style energy systems become redundant.

"This new policy document will enable the district to help address the need for change in the way new homes are built for the benefit of generations to come."

Details of Warwick District Council's Zero Carbon planning policy can found on the council's website.