England's planning standards insufficient to prevent overheating deaths, experts warn

A new report warns that England risks building new 'death traps' as only half of local plans include cooling strategies, and heatwaves have killed thousands.

• Research suggests that 2,700 people died in May and June heatwaves in England and Wales.
• The RTPI and TCPA report used AI to assess local plans and found only half require cooling or ventilation.
• Celia Davis, interim director at TCPA, said new buildings risk becoming fatal 'death traps' without stricter standards.
• The government's future homes standard, which takes effect in 2028, does not cover schools, hospitals, or care homes.