Development footprint
For the purposes of the Home Quality Mark (HQM), the development footprint consists of:
The site, considered to be the land enclosed by the boundary of the HQM assessment, and includes any land used for buildings, hardstanding, landscaping, site access or where construction work is carried out (or land being disturbed in any other way). It also includes any areas used for temporary site storage and buildings. If it is not known exactly where buildings, hardstanding, site access, temporary storage and buildings will be located, it must be assumed that the development footprint is the entire development site.
For the purpose of the Change in Ecological Value calculation this area will also include any land outside the development boundary where:
- There is an indirect impact on biodiversity, including but not limited to the Zone of Influence, and
- Land being used to compensate for impacts, either on the site or outside it as a biodiversity offset.
Ref Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018.
BREEAM UK New Construction, Non-domestic Buildings (United Kingdom), Technical Manual, SD5078: BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 3.0, published by BRE Global Limited, suggests that:
‘The development footprint includes any land used for buildings, hardstanding, landscaping, site access or where construction work is carried out (or land is being disturbed in any other way), plus a 3 m boundary in every direction around these areas. It also includes any areas used for temporary site storage and buildings. If it is not known exactly where buildings, hardstanding, site access, temporary storage and buildings will be located, it must be assumed that the development footprint is the entire development site.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.