Microgeneration device installation guides now under review

Government proposals to make it easier to install microgeneration devices like mini wind turbines and solar panels on homes are now out for consultation.

As expected, ministers plan to remove the need for planning permission for such devices on homes where it is clear there is little or no impact on neighbouring properties. Communities secretary Ruth Kelly announced the move in a speech to the Green Alliance.

She said: 'This consultation document sets out important changes the government wants to make to the planning system to encourage the take-up of microgeneration. This will play an essential part in helping us meet a significant proportion of our future energy needs.

'I believe that the local planning system should support efforts to tackle climate change rather than acting as a barrier, but it is important that we ensure that there are clear, common-sense safeguards on noise, siting and size and that the unique features of conservation areas are protected.'

The changes to the development control regime will need secondary legislation and could be in place in the autumn.

Next month the Government is due to announce a major shake-up and streamlining of the household consents regime when it publishes its planning White Paper.