Planning for PV

Government gives green light to microgeneration

Government planning rules today allow homeowners to install solar panels and other microgeneration technologies under ‘permitted development’.

From April 2008, all homeowners have been able to install microgeneration equipment, like solar panels, without needing to get planning permission, as long as certain criteria are met. Click here to read the Town and Country Planning document to see exactly what is and what isn’t permitted: www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/uksi_20080675_en_1

If planning permission is required then it is useful to be aware that Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) sets out a clear national policy framework on renewable energy for planning authorities in England to ensure that the Government's renewable energy targets are met. Under PPS22 Regional and Local Planning Authorities should recognise the full range of renewable energy sources, their differing characteristics, locational requirements and the potential for exploiting them subject to appropriate environmental safeguards. Small scale developments can also be permitted within areas such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts provided that there is no serious environmental detriment to the area concerned. PPS22 introduces a new policy area for small systems by encouraging Local Planning Authorities to require that new developments should supply a percentage of their energy needs from onsite renewable energy sources.

Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) sets out a clear national policy framework on renewable energy for planning authorities in England to ensure that the Government's renewable energy targets are met. Under PPS22 Regional and Local Planning Authorities should recognise the full range of renewable energy sources, their differing characteristics, locational requirements and the potential for exploiting them subject to appropriate environmental safeguards. Small scale developments can also be permitted within areas such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts provided that there is no serious environmental detriment to the area concerned. PPS22 introduces a new policy area for small systems by encouraging Local Planning Authorities to require that new developments should supply a percentage of their energy needs from onsite renewable energy sources.