UK government removes red tape for onsite renewables

In a bid to completely cut the UK’s carbon gas emissions from buildings, the government set out plans on how it could allow homeowners and businesses to install their own onsite renewable systems without the requirement for any paperwork and planning permission.

The hassle-free planning rules may lead to 15ft tall wind turbines being permitted in industrial estates and building offices being packed with solar panels. It could also allow electric car drivers to install charging points in parking lots and on streets without the need to file an application.

For the industrial and business sectors, the planning rules would be revised to make it uncomplicated to install renewables, such as heat pumps, wind turbines, solar panels and biomass systems. Meanwhile, agricultural and forestry premises would find the policies problem-free for housing anaerobic digestion systems, hydroelectric turbines and biomass boilers.

John Healey, Minister of Housing and Planning, however informed that the new planning rules would still come with strict requirements. Guidelines in relation to size, location and noise levels will be put in place so that permitted developments will not become nuisances.

The new proposal is part of the UK government’s Renewable Energy Strategy, which aims to help the country curb its carbon gas emissions. The country targets to source 15 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2020.

Meanwhile, the UK will be introducing next year a new scheme Clean Energy Cashback, also called Feed-in Tariffs, which will provide incentives to individuals and businesses that generate their own renewable energy.