Planning Requirements Eased for Renewables
April 6th 2008 is the date that government red tape is greatly reduced for homeowners considering on-site renewable energy. From this date, the installation of solar thermal or PV panels, ground source heat pumps and other microgeneration technologies won't need planning permission, as long as there is no impact on neighbours. Some of the rules are quite specific - for example, solar panels must not protude more than 200mm from a roof pitch. However, other issues remain unresolved - wind turbines aren't mentioned, and restrictions still apply in conservation areas or on listed buildings.Planning minister Caroline Flint said; "We want to make it easier to help people reduce their carbon footprint. Technology like solar panels can make a real difference, but homeowners can be put off by the time and expense of getting planning permission. We think it is right that people have more freedom to make these changes providing it has no impact on others."
For more information, see the official Town and Country Planning document.
posted by GreenEnergy360 at
19:08
