One area which people often query, and the law on which changed in 2008 and 2009, is whether you require planning permission for renewable energy installations on a domestic property. Planning permission for renewable energy technologies is touched on within some of our other pages, but we have put together this page to give you an overview for the different types of microgeneration technology.
Basically the requirement for planning permission for renewable energy installations on or around homes in England and Wales was lifted in April 2008 and in March 2009 in Scotland for most technologies. Below are more details for the specific forms of renewable energy.
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR SOLAR POWER INSTALLATIONS - Unless visible from a highway in a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site, most roof-mounted and stand-alone solar applications are permitted within certain size and location parameters. If the property is a listed building you will probably require listed building consent even if you don’t need planning permission.
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR BIOMASS BOILER AND STOVE INSTALLATIONS - Unless visible from a highway in a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site, biomass installations are usually permitted as long as the flue does not extend more than 1m above the roof height. You will need to double check rules with your local authority if the building is listed.
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP & WATER SOURCE HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS - These installations are permitted but you should consult your local authority if the building is listed.
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS - Further legislation is expected with regards to air source heat pumps, but you should currently check with your local authority.
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR WIND POWER INSTALLATIONS - Further legislation is expected with regards to wind power installations, but you should currently check with your local authority.
More detailed information on these rules can be found at the Planning Portal and The Scottish Government website. If you are in any doubt, it is always wise to consult your local planning authority.
For information on planning rules in Northern Ireland visit the Northern Ireland Government website.
Source: www.planningportal.gov.uk, www.est.org.uk and www.scotland.gov.uk 2009
