Microgeneration Plans Revealed
On Wednesday 4th April 2007 Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly unveiled plans to slash planning red tape to make it easier for people to put green technology - like solar panels - on their homes and play their part in tackling climate change. In a speech to the Green Alliance, she launched a consultation which recommends that people will no longer need to apply for planning permission to put ‘microgeneration’ devices on their homes where it is clear there is little or no impact on neighbouring properties.
See Communities and Local Government press release here. [The link to 4th April news release would be http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2404
The proposals for consultation are based on independent research undertaken by Entec for the Department of Communities and Local Government which aimed to balance and manage the impact on others against the desire to promote microgeneration take-up. Our report can be found here: www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1504866.
James Hall, Project Director said "We are delighted that the government has published recommendations and our report on domestic microgeneration and planning for wider consultation. We look forward to feedback plus an informed debate. Certainly our initial proposals were very carefully constructed and well received by the Steering Group, stakeholders in workshops and subsequently at two conferences in late 2006. In suggesting a relaxation of permitted development rights we were clear that good practice guidance and accreditation of products and installation would also be necessary".
Click here to load the Entec home page