Permitted Development under planning law for Micro-Wind Turbines and Air Source Heat Pumps
Delighted to see that the Government has finally got its act together in publishing new proposals for Permitted Development under planning law for Micro-Wind Turbines and Air Source Heat Pumps this week. Once the changes become law, homeowners will be able to install mini-wind turbines without going through a lengthy and unnecessary planning process provided those products meet strict guidelines for noise and vibration impact.
Solar Hotwater and Solar Electricity already benefit from permitted developments status granted earlier this year, but the new development means consumers will have a real choice (without any hidden red-tape) at the launch of the Clean Energy Cashback scheme, between each of the technologies that benefit from Feed in Tariffs. The new planning laws, combined with the reward from clean energy cashback could make cost-effective microgeneration and sensible payback a realistic possibility for the full range of small-scale renewables for the first time.
However, we were disappointed to see the predictable negative media coverage, focused on NIMBYism in mainstream media. No more so than by Rosa Prince in the Telegraph who proclaimed Giant wind turbines could be built without planning permission. The Giant Wind Turbines in question have a maximum height of fifteen feet, no higher than your average two story property and will be allowable only under certain circumstances such as on industrial estates and farmland. With the UKs tallest industrial size wind turbine in Norfolk standing at over 278 feet; Rosa may have to re-assess her concept of Giant! All here at Clean Energy Cashback look forward to the day when the media takes a more positive stance towards microgeneration.
To see the Government proposals, click here:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/microgenelectriccars
