Homeowners encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint

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by Kay Murchie

From April 6, homeowners wanting to install solar panels, ground source heat pumps and other microgeneration technologies will be able to do so without having to seek planning permission.

Newly appointed housing minister, Caroline Flint, has given the go-ahead to such projects in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.

It is understood that homeowners are interested in such projects but are put off by the cost.

It is hoped that the new rules will reduce the burden. Ms Flint said we want to make it easier to help people reduce their carbon footprint.

Technology like solar panels can make a real difference, but homeowners can be put off by the time and expense of seeking planning permission. We think it is right that people have more freedom to make these changes providing it has no impact on others, added Ms Flint.

The new rules are part of the Government‘s commitment to deal with climate change by reducing emissions from housing. All new-build homes in the UK are to be carbon neutral by 2016.

The Government also wants to allow free-standing and building-mounted wind turbines on detached properties and air source heat pumps to be installed without needing planning permission later this year. However, these proposals are awaiting approval from the European Commission.

According to official figures, the energy used to heat, light and run our homes accounts for 27% of all of the UK’s carbon emissions.