Energy minister intervenes in solar panel row
Wednesday, 8 June 2011 1:53 PM
A Government minister has pledged to intervene in the growing chaos surrounding the installation of solar panels on people’s homes.
Greg Barker, the Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, has vowed to examine the issue with the Department for Communities and Local Government after a number of local councils including Eden District and West Lancashire told homeowners they needed permission before installing solar panels.
Government guidance states that planning permission is not required unless someone lives in a listed building or conservation area.
Building regulations are not needed as long as the homeowner uses a contractor listed under the Government’s Competent Person Scheme.
Shadow Energy Ministers Huw Irranca-Davies and Luciana Berger have now also called for clarity.
Barker said in a letter to his two Labour Shadows: “I agree it is important that local councils are fully aware of the planning rules relating to solar panels.
“I am happy to raise this matter with my colleagues at the DCLG to explore options for making sure these rules are clearly understood by councils and continue to work with them on removing barriers to the take up of microgeneration technologies.”
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