If you want to improve your home by extending it, then you may only get planning permission if you pay for loft insulation and draught proofing at the same time.

The government is consulting on new rules to be introduced in 2014 saying that home improvements usually lead to a rise in carbon emissions and homeowners should be made to improve energy efficiency in the rest of the house.

Nicola Stanbridge met one energy efficient renovation expert Russell Smith in South London who has completely insulated his own home and explained why he thinks many homeowners should be compelled to do the same.

Tim Yeo, chairman of the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee, told the Today programme's Sarah Montague that the laudable aim of the Green Deal is excellent and has strong support but warned that the "public are not engaged with this for a saving that is some way off in the future".

"We have got to make people more enthusiastic," he said, adding that compelling people may not be the best way to do this.

He said he wants the public to respond to the opportunity of the Green Deal but the practical effect of this consultation would put people off and make them less enthusiastic.

"We have got to remain very ambitious... The carbon emissions from buildings are very high... but we have to make public share those ambitions".

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