Bioregional, a Good Homes Alliance leader member, has published an in-depth analysis of the Court of Appeal’s July 2025 judgment in Rights: Community: Action Ltd v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. This decision could have far-reaching implications for local planning authorities, developers, and environmental campaigners working to deliver climate-ready homes. The judgment:

  • Confirms councils can go further – LPAs are still able to set higher energy efficiency standards than national building regulations, where backed by robust local evidence
  • Clarifies the status of the 2023 WMS – it is guidance, not a legal block to ambitious local policies
  • Strengthens the role of environmental principles – highlighting that ministers must have due regard to them when formulating policy, potentially raising the bar for future national decisions

This is a significant moment for local authorities looking to adopt stronger standards and align planning policy with net-zero goals.

Click here to read the full blog from Bioregional

“At last: Court of Appeal ruling clarifies council powers on local energy standards”

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