No need for planning permission in the UK

New measured introduced today by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly MP (pictured below) will enable most householders to install wind turbines, solar panels, and other green energy devices without needing to apply for planning permission. Currently applicants can expect a wait of many months and costs in the hundreds of pounds to get permission to install green electricity generating devices on their own homes.


The consultation on the new measures will begin with a speech by Ruth Kelly to the Green Alliance in Camden. There she will say "The local planning system should support efforts to tackle climate change rather than acting as a barrier. We need changes to ensure the system is proportionate - whilst retaining clear, common-sense safeguards on noise, siting and size."

Planning permission will not automatically be granted in all cases - for example, where neighbours will be significantly affected by installations. The law is intended to apply only to microgeneration devices with little or no impact on neighbouring homes. Planning permission will also have to be sought in conservation areas.