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UK Government to Facilitate Domestic Microgeneration Devices
Apr 05 - Datamonitor The UK government has launched a consultation which recommends that UK consumers will no longer need to apply for planning permission to put microgeneration devices such as solar panels on their homes. The government said that, although local authorities will retain the right to restrict planning permission in exceptional circumstances, the process of installing green technology should become much easier. Communities secretary Ruth Kelly said: "I believe that the local planning system should support efforts to tackle climate change rather than acting as a barrier, but it is important that we ensure that there are clear, common-sense safeguards on noise, siting and size and that the unique features of conservation areas are protected." There are more than 100,000 microgeneration installations across the UK, including wind, water source or ground source heat pumps and biomass. The government hopes to increase the number of houses that both produce and consume energy eightfold through incentives. The government also commented that a more 'community-based' approach to green energy matters will allow individuals and local business to play their part. Ms Kelly has highlighted the importance of local authorities playing an active part in the fight against climate change. Dave Sowden, chief executive of the Micropower Council, welcomed the news. He said: "The current planning system says 'no' unless there is a good reason to consider otherwise. In future it will say 'yes' within properly considered, pre-defined limits. This will make a big difference to large numbers of customers wanting to take up microgeneration but put off today by bureaucracy and inconsistency." |