Wind turbines - planning laws changing
Planning laws. To promote the use of on-site renewable energy systems, the government relaxed the planning laws back in 2008 so that anyone wanting to install solar panels, combined heat and power units or ground source heat pumps didn’t need planning permission from their local council. But, because of local objections, the same permitted development rights were not made applicable to small wind turbines.
But this is about to change. The government has just finished consulting with industry and is about to extend the same planning rights to wind turbines, defined as being no more than 15 metres high and capable of producing 6kWh of electricity.
Delayed. The recent General Election has slowed things up though. In Scotland the earliest it’s likely to happen is October 2010; England will follow by the end of the year, while in Wales and Northern Ireland you’ll have to wait until early 2011.
Tip 1. If you are considering installing a wind turbine, wait until next year. That way you won’t have to bother with the lengthy planning application process.
Tip 2. Once the rules change, there are bound to be many caveats to do with the siting of the turbine and noise, so check with your local council before committing to a purchase.
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