In the UK the system of planning regulations have been setup by local authorities to ensure that any changes to properties (domestic or commercial) are in line with either the overall policy of the local council and/or sympathetic to the area in which changes are being made.
The planning system was not specifically been setup to cope with renewable technologies as they were never mainstream at that time. The rules are currently going through a process of updating to encompass these developments.
Of particular news is the removal of the need for planning permission for the installation of solar panels on properties. This is a progressive move that will hopefully inspire people to modify their properties in order to become more energy efficient.
There are a number of different rules regarding other forms of domestic renewable technology, and it is worth having a look at the Energy Saving Trust website to determine what they are. The link to their page on Planning Requirements is below:
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Getting-planning-permission
Whilst it is to be welcomed that the planning system is developing to meet the energy requirements of the 21st Century, it is also important that the correct rules are followed. There would be nothing worse than investing thousands of pounds in domestic renewable technologies and then finding out that the local council orders you to remove them.
Envirotechguru supports all efforts to make the planning process clearer and more effective. However, we are not experts in the planning process, and would recommend that you investigate with your local authority to find out the correct rules and regulations. We take no responsibility for any problems with the planning process that you might have.
There doesn’t appear to be an onerous amount of paperwork involved in planning for renewable technologies, but it is important to understand the requirements so that you can plan and develop your own energy systems in your own home.
