Planning experts have raised concerns that England may be constructing buildings at risk of overheating, potentially endangering vulnerable populations. Research indicates that approximately 2,700 deaths occurred during recent heatwaves, yet only half of local authority plans mandate cooling strategies for new constructions.
While many councils express intentions to incorporate green infrastructure, only a quarter utilize effective tools to ensure adequate cooling measures. The Royal Town Planning Institute's report highlights a gap between stated goals and actual implementation, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent future heat-related fatalities.