Government to cut planning restrictions for micro-renewable energy

The Government is to cut planning restrictions on micro-renewable technology as a new report proposes streamlining the planning system for household applications. Reductions are planned in planning restrictions for small-scale micro-generation — including solar panels and small wind turbines as part of measures to simplify the planning system around minor applications. The report by the Householder Development Consents Review Steering Group says that small-scale micro-renewable technology such as solar water heating and small wind turbines should be allowed to go ahead without the need for a planning application. In the autumn, the Government will publish detailed proposals on micro-generation — taking into account the size and impact on neighbours. The Government already promotes the use of micro-renewable technology through the planning system through Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy. Many local authorities are adopting requirements in their plans for on-site renewable energy in new developments. The Government is now urging all local authorities to do the same, and will include this request in the new planning policy statement on climate change due out later this year.