Red tape could be slashed for the installation of small-scale micro-generation devices such as wind turbines and solar panels where they clearly have little or no impact on neighbouring properties.

The move is part of major reforms to the UK’s planning system announced by Communities and Local Government Minister Ruth Kelly.The planning white paper ‘Planning for a Sustainable Future’, which was published on Monday (21st May) sets out a wide range of proposals.

  • Give councils more time to consider large developments by abolishing the need for planning permission for minor developments, such as conservatories, small scale extensions and micro-generation devices like solar panels
  • Cut the deadline for lodging appeals to within eight weeks of the local council’s decision rather than six months
  • Introduce new rules under which council development plans will need to include measures to reduce carbon emissions.
  • Cut red-tape for householders wanting to install small-scale renewable technologies - such as solar panels - planning permission no longer required where it is clear there is little or no impact on neighbours.
Ruth Kelly said: "Nobody will agree with every planning decision but our reforms will make the system better focussed, fairer, faster and more accessible for all. They will support our goal of improving the places where we live, work, visit, and enjoy."

Kelly also announced that a new “green office” taskforce is to be set up headed by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper. The taskforce will work with industry to set a timetable and action plan for delivering substantial reductions in carbon emissions from commercial buildings within the next 10 years.

Source

Building Sustainable Design