Recommendation 43

We recommend that circular economy statements including pre-demolition audits should be a requirement of planning applications which entail demolition of properties, as is already the case for certain applications which London boroughs are required to refer to the Mayor of London for consideration. The circular economy statement must explain why retrofit to match existing or new uses is not possible if demolition is proposed and be accompanied by a whole life carbon assessments of both new build and retrofit. This requirement should be introduced as soon as is practicable and not later than any package of reforms to the planning system which the Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities is expected to introduce before the end of the current Parliament.