The Housing Minister, John Healey, yesterday announced that the UK Government is planning to abolish the need for planning permission in relation to wind turbines of up to 50ft in height, provided the turbine makes no more than 45 decibels of noise. This decision, which is open to consultation for three months, would allow wind turbines to be erected across farmland, and in industrial areas, around the UK and could boost renewable energy production. Safeguards will be put in place regarding location and impact on an area.
Under the proposals outlined yesterday, applications to erect solar panels on stadiums, schools, railway stations and offices would also be fast-tracked, whilst local councils would gain permission to install charging points for electric cars without the need for planning permission. A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government stated that 30% of electricity could be generated from renewable sources by 2030.
Source article: John Healey unveils proposal to do away with planning permission for wind turbines, Times, 18 November 2009
Fast-tracking solar panel applications could be another boost to the industry. Companies such as SolarUk have already seen an increasing number of enquiries, despite the difficult economic climate, because with fossil fuel prices rising fast, technology such as solar hot water is looking more and more cost effective.
A solar panel on a school roof can actually be aesthetically pleasing, especially if it’s a disceet black aluminium design such as the LaZer2.