What BREEAM rating is typically required by UK local planning authorities?

In the UK, most local planning authorities typically expect new commercial developments to achieve a BREEAM “Very Good” rating as a minimum, although this can vary depending on the region and the type of development. In more sustainability-focused areas, particularly in major cities like London, requirements often increase to “Excellent”.

That said, it’s not always a blanket rule. Some councils apply different thresholds for residential vs commercial projects, and others may include specific credits that must be achieved rather than just an overall rating. It’s also becoming more common for planning conditions to reference net zero or whole-life carbon targets, which sit alongside BREEAM.

From a practical standpoint, developers should always check local planning policy early. Missing this step can lead to redesign work later, which is… not ideal once a project is already moving.