Application:
25/01562/FUL | Demolition of existing dwellinghouse. Erection of a 1 x 4 bed dwellinghouse (Use Class C3). Formation of boundary treatments. Formation of decked verandah, boardwalk, pond and timber playhouse to rear. Formation of rear covered outdoor decking area. Provision of private amenity space, car parking, air source heat pump, solar PV panels, EV charger and bin and cycle stores. Associated landscaping (Amended description) | 6 Blenheim Drive Oxford Oxfordshire OX2 8DG
Our Response:
August 2025
Whilst a thorough Renewable Energy Feasibility Study has been included in the supporting evidence for this application, the whole life carbon impact of the proposed scheme has not been included in these calculations.
Demolition should only be used as a last resort when a building has exceeded its useful life expectancy or has been deemed unsafe. There is nothing in the supporting documents to suggest that either of these are the case with 6 Blenheim Drive. It is unfortunate that a more sustainable approach involving the adaptive reuse of the existing buildings could not have been reached.
We recommend that a Whole Life Carbon Assessment of the site is carried out to calculate the embodied carbon cost of demolition and rebuilding before any consent is granted.