England risks building new ‘death traps’ as experts warn of overheating crisis

England faces a mounting risk of creating new "death trap" buildings that could dangerously overheat during extreme weather conditions, according to warnings from urban planning experts. Research indicates that 2,700 people perished in the recent heatwaves in England and Wales, yet fewer than half of local development plans currently mandate strategies to prevent buildings from overheating, according to a joint report by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). The study highlights a critical gap between the intentions of local authorities and the practical implementation of climate-resilient measures. Although most councils aim to incorporate green infrastructure, such as planting trees or providing access to waterways, only around a quarter employ recognized tools to ensure these elements are effectively integrated into new developments. Celia Davis, interim director of operations at the TCPA, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This is a matter of life and death. We need to avoid building death traps." She noted that despite lofty goals for addressing heat-related challenges, many local authorities fall short in actual execution. The RTPI’s report, titled Local Plans and the Climate Crisis, utilized artificial intelligence to analyze local plans from English councils. While acknowledging the experimental nature of using AI in such assessments, the institute expressed confidence in the reliability of its findings. The report revealed that while most councils aspire to address climate concerns, the reality often diverges significantly from these aspirations. Ministers recently introduced the "future homes standard," a regulatory framework set to take effect in 2028. This initiative aims to ensure homes remain warm in winter and cool in summer. However, the standard does not extend to public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and care homes. Experts argue that even for residential properties, the proposed regulations might not adequately prevent overheating, particularly given the lack of mandatory features like louvres and shutters designed to block excessive heat. Dan Slade, head of research and practice at the RTPI, highlighted the importance of considering the broader environment when designing homes. He explained, "If there are not enough trees or shading or green space, that will affect the heat these homes experience." Additionally, permitted development rights allow for conversions of office spaces into residences without adhering to the same stringent regulations as traditional homes. Many of these converted buildings, often described as "glass boxes," are prone to overheating due to minimal natural ventilation. In a related development, the Woodland Trust released a report urging increased tree growth near residential areas to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The report found that over 11 million people in the UK reside in regions with less than 10% of land shaded by trees, disproportionately affecting individuals with lower incomes. England's tree canopy coverage averages 17.5%, placing it among the lowest in Europe. Only a third of residents in English towns and cities benefit from the minimum recommended level of tree cover. The RTPI report did not evaluate the inclusion of air conditioning systems in new developments. It noted that while 99% of local plans referenced green infrastructure, only 27% applied a "green space factor," a planning tool deemed essential for ensuring adequate green space within developments. A government spokesperson stated that current national building regulations and planning policies require all newly constructed homes and their environments to minimize unnecessary heat exposure, irrespective of local plans. The future homes standard is intended to enhance resilience against both cold and heat extremes, though critics suggest additional measures may be necessary to fully address the risks posed by rising temperatures.