From March 2027, all new homes submitted for planning in England will be required to include on‑site renewable electricity generation in order to comply with the new Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHS). This change reflects the Government’s long‑term trajectory toward net zero, and sets a clear expectation that integrated low‑carbon technologies will become the norm rather than the exception.
The FHS represents a major update to the English Building Regulations, particularly Approved Documents L (Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions for dwellings and non‑dwellings) and F (Ventilation). Together, they signal a decisive move away from fossil‑fuel‑based heating and towards clean, electrified, and self‑sustaining homes.
Where Does the Standard Apply?
The new requirements cover both:
- Residential buildings (the Future Homes Standard); and
- Non domestic buildings (the Future Buildings Standard).
New dwellings and buildings will need to install solar PV coverage equivalent to 40% of their ground floor area with some exceptions for buildings over 18 m in height.
By 2028 no new buildings will be on the gas network. Instead, developments must connect either to:
- A district heating network; or
- An individual low carbon heat source, such as a heat pump.
This will fundamentally reshape how energy is generated, supplied, and managed across England’s future housing stock.
Noise Implications: A Growing Consideration for Planners
The popularity of individual heating systems such as Air Source Heat Pumps (‘ASHPs’) has risen steadily in recent years, but the FHS will greatly accelerate their uptake across residential areas. With a higher density of units comes a renewed need to manage operational noise, ensuring that both residents and neighbouring properties are protected.
To support this, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) are developing a new Professional Advice Note focused specifically on ASHP noise assessment. Once finalised, this guidance is expected to become a key consideration for planners, environmental health officers, and acoustic consultants when assessing heat pump installations.
In practice, applicants should anticipate:
- Detailed noise assessments becoming standard for schemes proposing individual heat pumps;
- Increased scrutiny of cumulative noise, particularly in high density developments; and
- A stronger requirement for mitigation, such as acoustic enclosures or optimised unit placement.
Early consideration will be key in avoiding delays at the planning stage. Metrica has extensive experience in the assessment of noise from heating and ventilation units.
Glint and Glare Implications: Expanding Beyond Large Solar Sites
Glint and glare assessment is already well established for ground mounted solar farms, often due to their proximity to sensitive receptors such as highways, rail infrastructure and airports. Under the FHS, however, the volume of roof mounted solar PV will rise dramatically, and with it, the likelihood that planning authorities will request glint and glare assessments for residential schemes.
This is particularly likely where developments are close to major transport corridors such as:
- Main roads;
- Main roads; or
- Airports and their associated flight paths.
For many housebuilders, this will be a new technical requirement. Clear evidence that panels will not pose a distraction risk to road users or aviation operations will be essential.
Metrica has a wealth of experience assessing the impact of glint and glare from roof mounted solar PV, including assessment for some of the UK’s busiest airports.
What This Means in Practice
The transition to the Future Homes Standard is not simply a compliance exercise — it changes the technical, acoustic, visual, and energy performance profile of new developments.
Developers should be prepared for:
- Additional assessment work during design and planning;
- Increased coordination with acoustic, energy, and solar specialists; and
- A stronger emphasis on demonstrating that renewable and low carbon technologies have been sensitively integrated into schemes.
As with many emerging policy shifts, early engagement and robust technical evidence will be critical in ensuring smooth progress through planning.
