Homes for Scotland has called for a halt to Planning Minister Derek McKay’s plans to build new homes to cut carbon emissions by 75%, compared to building standards in 1990.

Minister Mackay has announced the launch of a consultation on the proposals, which ministers say will cut fuel bills for families and businesses.

But Homes for Scotland said the move could see thousands of pounds added to the cost of building new homes, which are already highly efficient, for "negligible benefit".

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The group has claimed that while housing represented 27% of the UK's carbon emissions, the proportion of new homes in Scotland’s total annual housing stock was only 0.63%.

Homes for Scotland said new Scottish houses had already cut emissions by 70% since 1990.

Chief Executive Philip Hogg said: "We note Mr Mackay’s words about the importance of ‘striking a balance’ between the green agenda and the burden on industry, and therefore keenly await further detail. Having already proposed a solution that could deliver significantly greater carbon reduction much more cost-effectively, we hope this is given due consideration.

"However, whilst we also welcome the reconvening of the Sullivan panel to review other options for achieving emission reductions given the vast change from the operating context of 2007, we would urge the Scottish Government to withhold making any changes until the expert panel reports its findings."

(IT)