Solar Kent

Solar Water Heating, Solar Energy - Planning Permission

From 6th April 2008, homeowners, schools and other community organisations interested in fitting their own green energy systems will not need planning permission, the Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks announced on 31st March

Also, for public / community buildings the grant cap will be increased to 50%

An increasing number of planning officers, will I am sure, actively support the installation of solar panels, looking at them as a positive benefit rather than a blight.

My experience with my local planning Department was poor, however there was a good conclusion.

I had approached the local planning department for an amendment so that I could have what are known as solar shingles (very much like slates but darker and generate electricity) on my roof.

Despite active support from my local councillors, and various environmental interest bodies, the planners turned it down - I have a refusal letter. During the application process I had corresponded on this matter with the Development Director for the council, suggesting that as I was perhaps the first in Kent to do this, they might want to actively support me and gain some good PR.

On the day of the refusal letter arriving, a representative of the Director of Development arrived, said that he couldn't see why I was refused, it seemed emminently sensible and that the technology I was using was effectively invisible . The refusal was verbally overturned that day followed by a letter confirming it - perhaps the fastest a planning application refusal has ever been overturned!

I didn't have to go to an appeal which I was confident I would have won, I'm afraid that my respect and confidence in our local planning office remains pretty well at zero!

see: This is nottingham: Solar Panels refusal

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London has stated that the majority of solar installations, in particular those that do not extend more than a certain level beyond the normal roof line are not normally subject to planning permission. However it is always best to check with your local planning office and possibly your local buildings control office.

Business wastes up to £8bn a year on power
Businesses are losing up to £8 billion a year through energy inefficiency with London offices the worst offenders, according to a study commissioned by Npower. Its publication coincided with a warning from Ken Livingstone, London's mayor, that developers would be unlikely to gain planning permission for large projects unless they provided opportunities for buildings to install power generating solar panels. Companies in Birmingham were the most energy efficient, with 83 per cent implementing efficiency practices.
Financial Times. 05 April 2004

In the unlikley event that you do get a refusal make sure you press for a full explanation and a statement of what your council's overall policy towards sustainable energy is.

If you have to put in a planning application, get your neighbours support. Ask them to write to the council using the words "I support this application" - the wording is important.

You might also approach your local councillor and ask them to make sure the application goes to committee, in particular if there is a likelihood of refusal.

 

There are changes planned for the planning process, it is likely that during 2007 many small scale energy generation projects will be removed from the planning process and become 'permitted developments'.

For the UK: Small Renewable Energy Developments (Permitted Development) Bill

For Northern Ireland: Renewable Energy Development within the Curtilage of a Dwelling House - Permitted Development Rights