Planning Permission and Renewable Energy
From April 6 2008, all homeowners will be able to install
microgeneration equipment, like solar panels, without needing to
get planning permission, as long as there is clearly no impact on
others.
Currently, the energy used to heat, light and run our homes
accounts for 27 per cent of all of the UK's carbon emissions -
around 40 million tonnes. Many householders want to install
microgeneration technology, but are often put off by the time and
cost involved in getting planning permission first.
The regulations will help to add to 100,000 households that
have cut both their fuel bills and carbon footprint by installing
microgeneration equipment in their homes, without them having in
future to go through the planning application process.
Those technologies that do not require planning permission
include solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, ground and water
source heat pumps, biomass and small combined heat and power.
Requirements are set for most of these technologies to reduce
the effect on the external appearance of the building, and
therefore we would urge residents interested in these
technologies to contact the councils planning department.
If the installation does not meet planning requirements planning
permission will be required.
The Government has made it clear that it will legislate further
to allow free- standing and building-mounted wind turbines on
detached properties, and air source heat pumps to be installed
without needing planning permission, but has to await clearance
from the European Commission.
The Government has worked closely with industry to agree a
micro-generation certification scheme that will ensure these
technologies in particular are sufficiently quiet in their
operation so as not to cause a nuisance for neighbours.
The Government's
Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides grants for
homeowners towards the costs.
To find out more about planning requirements visit:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html
More information on each of the different technologies can
be found at http://www.growyourownenergy.co.uk/