What is The Merton Rule?
The Merton Rule states that:”All new non-residential development above a threshold of 1,000 square metres will be expected to incorporate renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10% of predicted energy requirements.” The Merton Rule is named after Merton Council which adopted the first prescriptive planning policy that required new commercial buildings over 1,000 square metres to generate at least 10% of their energy using on site renewable energy. In 2008, the Government’s Planning Policy Statement requires all UK local planning authorities to adopt a “Merton Rule” policy.
