Dataset for "Pioneering Net Zero Carbon Construction Policy in Bath & North East Somerset: Evaluating the effectiveness of novel planning policies over time"

This data was collected as part of a continuing collaboration between the University of Bath and Bath and North East Somerset Council, exploring the impacts of (and reception to) pioneering sustainable planning policies for new buildings which were first introduced in January 2023. This project evaluates the success of the policies two years on, establishing long-term trends, opportunities for refinement, and the national policy implications of this unique policy case study.

The deposited data relates to two parts of the methodology.

The first is an analysis of incoming planning application, relating to the characteristics of proposed buildings and key parameters submitted to comply with the net zero energy requirements.

The second is the results of a questionnaire sent out to applicants.

Subjects:

Civil engineering and built environment

Energy

Sustainable Energy Networks

Cite this dataset as:
Marsh, E., Hawkins, W., Shea, A., Allen, S., Demski, C., Phelps, P., Barnes, A., Smallwood, C., Richards, S., Daone, R., Bell, A., Nikolaidou, E., 2026. Dataset for "Pioneering Net Zero Carbon Construction Policy in Bath & North East Somerset: Evaluating the effectiveness of novel planning policies over time". Bath: University of Bath Research Data Archive. Available from: https://doi.org/10.15125/BATH-01608.

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Data

applications_2025.csv
text/csv (61kB)
Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0

Details of planning applications received between May 2024 and June 2025, which are eligible for the policies under investigation. The sheet contains key information relating to building energy performance, operational emissions, and policy compliance.

questionnaire_responses.csv
text/csv (15kB)
Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0

Anonymised questionnaire responses, including individual responses to each question.

Creators

Ellie Marsh
University of Bath

0000-0001-7059-1262

Will Hawkins
University of Bath

0000-0003-4918-7665

Andrew Shea
University of Bath

0000-0002-4632-6300

Stephen Allen
University of Bath

0000-0002-0148-6466

Christina Demski
University of Bath

0000-0002-9215-452X

Peter Phelps
University of Bath

Alice Barnes
Bath and North East Somerset Council

Charlotte Smallwood
Bath and North East Somerset Council

Sally Richards
Bath and North East Somerset Council

Richard Daone
Bath and North East Somerset Council

Alex Bell
Chapter 2 Architects

Elli Nikolaidou
South West Net Zero Hub

0000-0001-9081-7724

Contributors

University of Bath
Rights Holder

Documentation

Data collection method:

This dataset was generated through a mixed‑methods approach designed to capture both quantitative performance data and qualitative stakeholder perspectives relating to the B&NES sustainable construction policies. First, all eligible planning applications submitted between May 2024 and June 2025 were systematically reviewed. Energy summary data, SAP/PHPP modelling outputs and associated documentation were extracted to assess compliance with operational energy and embodied carbon requirements. These submissions were analysed at the individual‑plot level, enabling comparison of design parameters such as space heating demand, total energy use, U‑values and air permeability. To complement this, a structured questionnaire was distributed to planning agents and consultants to gather insights into applicant experience, perceived challenges and evolving practice.

Data processing and preparation activities:

Data was anonymised with any personal identifying information redacted.

Methodology link:

https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/files/380203213/BANES_report_final.pdf