The planning system has finally seen the radical overhaul it has needed for so long, and from Spring 2008 the following changes will come into force.

Renewable energy developments have been hampered over recent years by a complicated and contradictory planning policy on micro-generation.

The planning system has finally seen the radical overhaul it has needed for so long, and from Spring 2008 the following changes will come into force:

1. Solar panels (PV or thermal) will become a Permitted Development Right that will not require planning permission. 2. The only restriction will be that solar installations must not face, or be visible from the public highway in conservation areas. 3. Wind turbines will also be permitted development in 90% of cases.

Obviously we are delighted to see that the planning system will now actually allow the governments’ own renewable energy target to be attempted!

National Parks, Conservation Areas and AONBs are all now fully open for solar power, and we can also advise on the best course of action to getting listed building consent for solar energy where appropriate.