Retrofit can be delayed not because the technology is unavailable, but because planning rules are unclear or inconsistent. This is especially true for heritage buildings, conservation areas and visible external upgrades.
Local authorities must balance appearance, heritage and energy performance, but uncertainty creates delay. Providers may avoid upgrades if approval risk is too high.
Clear retrofit guidance would reduce friction. Standard positions on insulation, solar, heat pumps and external alterations can help households and landlords plan with confidence.
Planning should protect places, but it also needs to allow homes to remain functional in a changing energy environment.
If retrofit is treated as an exception each time, progress will be slow. If it becomes a managed pathway, decarbonisation becomes more deliverable.