Written question WQ82960
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Minister outline what conversations the Welsh Government is having to realise the benefits of considering siting, orientation, design and materials in protecting new builds from the risk of wind storms?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
The impact of high wind speeds and prevailing wind direction are important design considerations in new developments. Technical Advice Note 12: Design (2016) and the accompanying Site & Context Analysis Guide (2016) provide guidance around siting, orientation and built form. The Design Commission for Wales actively promotes best practice in design and supports the Welsh Government in monitoring the effectiveness of national planning policy.
Requirements for wind loadings form part of the structure requirements of the building regulations. They are derived from the Code of Practice for wind loads BS 6399-2:1997: Loading for buildings. The requirements apply to all parts of the UK and are applicable to new buildings and new structures, alterations and additions to existing buildings and existing structures and existing construction on change of use.