New planning standards give renewable energy systems the green light

Consumers wishing to make the switch to renewable energy technologies will now be able to without planning permission as a result of changes to legislation.

Under previous guidelines, homeowners had to have planning approval before installing any domestic heat pump and small wind systems however, under new standards issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government, these requirements have been lifted and will have a major effect on the renewable energy sector. The new legislation, approved by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for quality assurance, most significantly impacts the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and wind turbines, which historically have been the most difficult to secure planning permission.

Peter Searancke, managing director of Intelligent Energy Solutions, the award-winning renewable energy specialists, believes the new standards will not only help raise awareness of the benefits of renewable energy systems but will also lead to the creation of jobs in the sector.

“The requirement for planning permission has always restricted the growth of air source heat pumps and wind turbines,” he commented, “so the introduction of new Permitted Development Rights is long overdue. In particular planning departments have struggled to differentiate between a commercial air conditioning system and a domestic heat pump, so the advent of new guidelines should ensure that suitability of an air source heat pump for domestic homes will no longer be in question. 

“The freeing-up of planning legislation will not only help householders towards more efficient heating and hot water, it will also help underpin the growth of the renewable sector and create more positions for trained installers,” he concluded.

The changes to Permitted Development Rights in England and Scotland were approved by government on the 6^th September 2011. 

Intelligent Energy Solutions was founded in 2006 and supplied and installs a comprehensive range of renewable energy systems throughout the UK including solar panels, air and ground source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems for residential and commercial properties. The company has recently received national recognition for its work, winning the 2011 Energy Management Installer of the Year Award.

Picture: Peter Searancke, managing director, Intelligent Energy Solutions.