Planning changes to bolster green energy

The government has announced changes to the UK planning system to encourage the generation of green energy as part of new housing projects.

The changes mean all councils will be expected to provide on-site renewable energy and local community energy schemes to help cut carbon emissions from new developments.

In a planning policy statement (PPS) on climate change, housing minister Yvette Cooper said planners must now promote green growth within their new projects.

"It's all about local power. If we are to reach the ambitious zero carbon standards we need a revolution in the way we heat and power our homes. We want councils to do more to back local green energy," said Ms Cooper.

The plans form part of the government's initiative to make all new homes in the UK carbon neutral from 2016.

The new rules will mean councils and developers should consider options such as solar panels, wind turbines or heat pumps which can generate energy on the site of new developments.

Councils should also examine the potential for connecting developments to neighbouring heating and power schemes that can serve an entire local community.

According to the department for Communities and Local Government (CLG), the plans form part of a wider scheme by the government to cut carbon emissions in the UK.

"We need to be environmentally ambitious about all buildings, not just housing. We don't just need eco homes - we need eco offices, eco shops, eco pubs and clubs," continued Ms Cooper.

The changes were welcomed by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), a pressure group aimed at redesigning the UK's planning system to encourage sustainable building.

"The PPS on climate change enables local authorities to ensure the housing growth agenda delivers on climate change," said TCPA chief executive, Gideon Amos.

"It is incredibly important local authorities take ownership of their local area climate change targets, developing zero carbon solutions for their communities and helping adapt their local neighbourhoods to harmful climate change impacts such as flood risk, drought and heat waves."