Microgeneration encouraged in UK homes

New rules allowing homeowners to install solar panels, ground source heat pumps and other microgeneration technologies to help cut carbon emissions have been approved by the government.

Housing minister Caroline Flint gave the green light to the projects, stating that from April 6th homeowners will not need to seek planning permission.

It is thought homeowners are interested in such schemes, but are dissuaded by the time and cost.

The proposals hope to reduce the burden, allowing homeowners to make changes at their will – as long as there is clearly no impact on others.

"We want to make it easier to help people reduce their carbon footprint," said Ms Flint.

"Technology like solar panels can make a real difference, but homeowners can be put off by the time and expense of getting planning permission. We think it is right that people have more freedom to make these changes providing it has no impact on others.

"These new rules, together with our world-leading timetable for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016, are a key part of our commitment to tackle climate change by reducing emissions from housing."

The Labour administration has pledged to ensure all new-build homes in the UK are carbon neutral by 2016, with all commercial properties planed to follow by 2019.

Furthermore, the government has made it clear it will legislate further to allow free-standing and building-mounted wind turbines on detached properties, and air source heat pumps to be installed without needing planning permission later this year.

These plans are awaiting approval from the European Commission.

"The fight against climate change is not just about multi million pound renewable energy projects," added energy minister Malcolm Wicks.

"Solar panels, biomass and heat pumps also have a vital role to play. Installing small-scale devices has just become a lot easier for homeowners. Microgeneration enables the concerned individual to become an active citizen in tackling global warming."

The energy used to heat, light and run our homes accounts for 27 per cent of all of the UK's carbon emissions, according to official figures, or around 40 million tonnes of carbon.

It is hoped this can be markedly reduced with the introduction of microgeneration.

The changes have been welcomed by industry figures.

"It is very encouraging to hear that one of the main barriers to the wide spread adoption of solar power across the residential housing market has finally been removed, with planning permission no longer required to install solar technology into the home," Kevin Brennan, head of sustainability for roof windows supplier Velux.

"The previous requirement to obtain planning permission just adds delays and significant costs."