Bid to relax renewables planning laws

Government proposes to make it easier for households to install renewable energy generation

News, 4 March 2008

Householders wishing to install energy generating equipment, including solar panels, will no longer need planning permission under new proposals launched today.

The proposals are part of planning reforms aimed at increasing renewable energy generation and cutting emissions.

Most householders currently wishing to install solar panels, heat pumps or wind turbines on existing buildings must apply to the local council for consent. However, under the proposals, permission may be granted automatically under permitted development rights, provided that strict criteria are met.

The Scottish Government is proposing to reduce Scottish carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, as part of its proposals for Scotland's first Climate Change Bill. The aim of today's proposals is to make it easier for people to install microgeneration technologies.

On average, installation of solar photovoltaic panels can save householders around £170 a year by significantly reducing electricity consumption.

Mike Thornton, director of the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland, said: "[We] support the installation of microrenewables and would welcome a relaxation of the planning regulations to make it easier for householders to install microrenewables and thereby help people to do their bit to reduce their own carbon footprint."

The consultation is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/03/04090052/0 and runs for 10 weeks, until 12 May.