The proposed policy has been questioned by the NHBC Foundation and condemned as ill considered by the Modern Masonry Alliance and the Concrete Centre. Building magazine reported that one construction lawyer believed it could be open to legal challenge.
However, Wood for Good, which lobbied for the Wood First status, said it had no agenda to cast aspersions on other materials. "All of the presentations we give show how wood works in conjunction with other materials as well as on its own," said David Hopkins, head of external affairs.
Hackney could become the first local authority in the country give preference to timber and wood products in planning guidelines (TTJ, May 12/19, 2012). This would help it meet low carbon and broader environmental goals.
The proposal followed lobbying by the Wood for Good campaign. The council’s planning department is reviewing its evidence to develop a draft policy for public consultation.
Trade bodies insist concrete and masonry have strong sustainability credentials, which cast doubt on the basis of any preference for timber.
John Park, UK manager of Canada Wood, has written to Building. He said: "Wood should not be used gratuitously; it should be considered at the ‘first’ stage of all building construction developments alongside all other materials possibilities."
The council said it is keen to promote wood, but added it would not exclude locally sourced building materials or prevent the use of other sustainable building materials.
