Plans to cut red tape on renewable technologies

Regulations governing planning permission for renewable technologies could be relaxed, it has been announced.

In proposals published yesterday, Housing and Planning Minister John Healey outlined a relaxation of planning rules for renewable technologies, such as on-site wind turbines and solar panels.

The Government says that such a reduction in red tape could help businesses and developers use microgeneration of electricity to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and lower their fuel bills. However, the amended regulations would require developers and businesses to adhere to strict rules on the size, noise, locality and visual impact of their installations.

"Our planning rules need to catch up with changing technologies and allow people to take the small measures that make big differences," said John Healy.

"Not only could this save up to hundreds of pounds in fuel bills, they will also help the environment."

Kelvin MacDonald from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) welcomed the mooted changes. However, he said that it is "also important that the proposals take account of local circumstances and historic buildings".

"It will be important for planners to assess these proposals and provide their input to Government to ensure the new measures are both workable and flexible enough to adapt to fast-changing renewable technologies."

The proposals will now be scrutinised during a three-month consultation period.