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NAPIT STRONGLY SUPPORT MICROGENERATION PLANNING PROPOSAL
As Microgeneration technologies become more popular with homeowners learning of their benefits, the planning process for their installation is under scrutiny.
In order for Microgeneration technologies to be adopted more easily a Government consultation is considering whether permitted development rules which allow installation without having to apply for planning permission can be extended to cover all of the technologies.
Out of the five technologies available, Wind Turbines and Air Source Heat Pumps are the only two technologies excluded from permitted development on the basis of problems with noise and a possible negative visual impact on surrounding neighbours.
Usually it is the homeowner’s responsibility or an architect if one is contracted, to apply for planning permission for the installation of these two renewable technologies. However, this consultation will pave the way for a change in the system to allow the Microgeneration installation to proceed without planning permission provided it is carried out by an MCS Approved Installer.
David Cowburn, NAPIT’s Managing Director of Standards Division comments: “NAPIT are welcoming this change as it will prove positive in two respects, firstly it is good for Registered Installers as it will limit the work to those who understand how to avoid noise and visual impact rather than opening up the work to cowboys. Secondly it will be useful for homeowners as they will be able to make decisions about installing microgeneration without having to worry about planning permission. The fact that this permission will only be valid when an MCS Approved Installer carried out the work should encourage any unregistered installers to look at the benefits of registration through schemes such as NAPIT.”
The consultation proposal will close on the 9th February 2010. For further information please visit:
www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/publications/consultations/