17th November 2009

The microgeneration industry today welcomed new government proposals to slash planning red tape and make it easier for homeowners, developers and businesses to install their own microgeneration equipment, including on-site wind turbines and air source heat pumps. Other microgeneration technologies have been free from such barriers since April 2008 but further work was needed to include micro wind turbines and air source heat pumps within domestic Permitted Development legislation. These proposals also outline for the first time how businesses and public buildings will be able to install sustainable technologies without costly and time-consuming planning hurdles.

Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower Council said: “The industry welcomes this proposal to support the microgeneration sector, particularly ahead of the introduction of the first stage of the Government’s Clean Energy Cashback scheme in April 2010. These proposals will clear away the most significant red tape still in place for air source heat pumps and micro-wind turbines, and allow most householders to choose from the full range of microgeneration technologies without the need to apply for planning permission. The relaxation of planning requirements for the non-domestic sector also marks a significant step forward and should make it much easier for stimulate the microgeneration market to growth into the small industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors as well.”

NOTES

• The Micropower Council (www.micropower.co.uk) is the coordinated voice of the UK microgeneration industry and the only body representing the full cross-section of micropower technologies.
• See the Communities and Local Government Release – John Healey: Removing red tape in move towards a low-carbon future.
• This move is the result of over four years of industry campaigning, led by the Micropower Council, the prime mover behind the Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Act 2009 which required introduction of permitted development within 8 months of the Act becoming law.
• The Micropower Council continued to campaign for the inclusion of micro wind turbines and air source heat pumps following their omission from legislation in April 2008. Today’s announcement marks the successful outcome of this campaign with proposals for permitted development rights for all microgeneration technologies in homes.

Jane Vaus
Head of Media & External Affairs
Micropower Council
Tel: +44 (0) 207 924 0795
Mob: +44 (0) 7748 010447
Jane Vaus