Large scale installations which are visible are almost certainly going to require planning permission. Small scale installations MAY require planning permission although there are moves to reduce this need by granting “permitted development” rights to certain products and location types. We recommend contacting your local planning authority and asking them for their specific requirements.
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Permitted development rights for householder microgeneration
Installing certain renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and biomass boilers, has now been made a lot simpler due to the Permitted Development Rights introduced on 6 April 2008.
Permitted Development Rights
In England, changes to permitted development rights for renewable technologies have lifted the requirements for planning permission for most domestic microgeneration technologies.
The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) grants rights to carry out certain limited forms of development on the home, without the need to apply for planning permission. The scope of the GPDO in England now extends to the following technologies:
Solar PV and Solar Thermal (roof-mounted)
Permitted unless:
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Panels when installed protrude more than 200 mm |
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They would be placed on the principal elevation facing onto or visible from the highway in buildings in a Conservation Area |
Solar PV and Solar Thermal (stand-alone)
Permitted unless:
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More than 4 m in height |
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Installed less than 5 m away from any boundary |
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Above a maximum area of array of 9m2 |
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Situated within any part of the curtilage of the dwelling or would be visible from the highway in a
Conservation Area |
Biomass Boilers and Stoves, and Combined Heat & Power:
Permitted unless:
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Flue exceeds 1m above the roof height |
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Installed on the principal elevation and visible from a road on buildings in a Conservation Area |
Ground Source Heat Pump
Permitted.
Water Source Heat Pump
Permitted.
Micro Wind
Due to legal technicalities the current statutory instrument does not cover micro wind. Once these issues have been resolved, it is expected that roof-mounted and free-standing micro wind turbines will be permitted at detached properties that are not in conservation areas. Further legislation is expected in 2009, so until then consult with your local authority regarding planning permission.
Air Source Heat Pump
Air source heat pumps are in a similar situation to wind. Once the legal technicalities have been resolved, it is expected that air source heat pumps will be permitted developments.
NOTE Permitted development rights are not extended to listed buildings which are covered by other regulations.
Building Regulations
The Building Control system makes sure that buildings are properly designed and constructed to ensure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people using them.
Building Regulations cover most building work inside and outside of buildings including:
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Structural stability – will the building safely hold the amount of weight that it is expected to? |
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Fire precautions – controlling which materials are used in the building and making sure that, if there was a fire, it could be evacuated without any loss of life |
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Ventilation of habitable rooms and unheated spaces |
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Preventing dampness and condensation |
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Sound resistance of walls and floors between dwellings |
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Access issues and facilities for disabled people |
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Hygiene, sanitary appliances and drainage |
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Heating appliances including the safe discharge of flue gases |
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Stairways, ramps and vehicle barriers |
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Conservation of fuel and power ~ making sure that buildings are properly insulated |
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Safe glazing of windows, doors etc. |
Sources of information:
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