Government eases planning process for farm renewables

The government has announced plans to simplify the planning process for some farm-based renewable energy projects.

The new measures, which come into force on 6 April, will allow certain small-scale installations to be built under permitted development rights, therefore removing the need for planning permission.

Solar panels, ground and water-source heat pumps, and flues for biomass and combined heat and power systems on non-domestic premises will be covered by the revised regulations, as well as structures to house biomass boilers, anaerobic digestion systems and associated waste and fuel stores, and hydro turbines.

The permitted development rules have not been extended to cover wind turbines or air-source heat pumps.

“The rights will mean that small-scale microgeneration installations can be installed without a planning application, so it is vital that the potential effects on the area where they will be installed are taken into account,” minister Greg Clark said. “It would undermine our ambitions for green energy production if reforms lead to widespread complaints.”

For that reason the requirements to which the permitted development rights were subject had been strengthened, he said. This included additional protections for areas with a special environmental status, such as national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Country Land & Business Association president Harry Cotterell welcomed the decision as a demonstration of the government cutting red tape.

“This is fantastic news for the rural economy. The government has encouraged farmers to diversify since 2007. The announcement has removed the barriers of planning permissions and delivered a green policy that really benefits the rural economy.”