Consultation launched on new planning proposals for small-scale renewable and low-carbon technologies

Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has launched measures to cut carbon emissions by overhauling the planning system. In proposals published for consultation, homeowners, developers and businesses will be able to install their own on-site wind turbines, and air source heat pumps without the expense and red tape of planning permission.

The new rules would also allow councils and electric car drivers to install electric car charger points on streets and in car parks without needing to make a planning application.

The relaxation of the planning rules would come with strict caveats about size, noise levels, location and the visual impact on an area. During the course of the three month consultation, the Government will be asking for views about these standards and requirements for the final legislation. Once agreed by Parliament, the new rights would be closely monitored and regularly reviewed.

The announcement echoes the call John Healey made last week for a 'national crusade' to tackle climate change. He called on all homeowners, developers, tenants and landlords to make the changes that make big differences in the run up to Copenhagen and beyond.

For the first time, the proposals will outline how businesses and public buildings will be able to install renewable technologies such as solar panels. This could lead to the installation of new solar roofs at stadiums, schools and railway stations, or recladding an office building with solar panels, potentially saving thousands of pounds a year on energy bills. Wind turbines up to 15 metres high would be permitted, in locations like industrial estates or agricultural areas where they would not become a nuisance to residents.

The package is an important part of the Government's Renewable Energy Strategy to achieve the transformation we need over the next decade to minimise our carbon footprint. If these measures are taken up, these technologies are likely to lead to huge changes to our environment and the way our homes, towns and cities are designed.

Kelvin MacDonald, Policy Adviser at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), said: 'The RTPI supports the Government's initiative to make it easier for householders and businesses to install renewable technologies. This is a positive step on the path towards making our energy supply more secure and less carbon-intensive and micro-renewables such as solar and heat pumps have an important role to play.

'It's 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.'