Microgeneration industry welcomes 'historic day' as planning red-tape slashed

The microgeneration industry today welcomed new government proposals to slash planning red tape and make it easier for homeowners, developers and businesses to install their own microgeneration equipment, including on-site wind turbines and air source heat pumps

Other microgeneration technologies have been free from such barriers since April 2008 but further work was needed to include micro wind turbines and air source heat pumps within domestic Permitted Development legislation.

Today's proposals unveiled by the Department for Communities and Local Government also outline for the first time how businesses and public buildings will be able to install sustainable technologies without costly and time-consuming planning hurdles.

Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower Council, said: “The industry welcomes this proposal to support the microgeneration sector, particularly ahead of the introduction of the first stage of the Government’s Clean Energy Cashback scheme in April 2010.

"These proposals will clear away the most significant red tape still in place for air source heat pumps and micro-wind turbines, and allow most householders to choose from the full range of microgeneration technologies without the need to apply for planning permission.

"The relaxation of planning requirements for the non-domestic sector also marks a significant step forward and should make it much easier for stimulate the microgeneration market to growth into the small industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors as well.”