Residents are set to be asked whether new homes built in Kenilworth should have to be net zero carbon.

Net zero carbon houses produce zero or even negative amounts of CO2 annually by using energy efficient materials, solar panels, carbon offsetting and innovative heating technology.

With housing accounting up to 20 per cent of carbon emissions in the district, a new planning policy could make a significant impact locally.

The new plans have already been endorsed by Warwick District Council's cabinet and are part of the council's aims to get the district as close to net zero carbon by 2030.

This could apply to non-residential buildings as well as homes, with building of net zero housing to start as early as 2022 if approved.

Portfolio holder for climate change, Cllr Alan Rhead said: "By acting now, we 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 proposed policy document, combined with our own net-zero council house building programme, will enable our district to address head on, the need for change in the way new homes are built for the benefit of generations to come."

The public consultation runs from 26 July until 13 September - information is available on the WDC website.

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Following the consultation, a policy document will be written and then examined by an independent government inspector.

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