News

New microgeneration planning rules in Wales

2/9/09 New rules have come into effect in Wales this month allowing homeowners to install a range of domestic microgeneration systems without needing to apply for planning permission.

Under the revised planning laws, owners of houses and flats will be able to install solar voltaic and solar thermal panels without contacting their local authority first.

Ground and water source heat pumps are also excluded from the planning requirement, as are flues for biomass or combined heat and power equipment.

In a leaflet published to explain the new planning rules, the Welsh Assembly Government said that solar panels can appear on any existing roof or wall so long as the top of the panels no more than 20cm from the plane of a roof.

It added: "In the case of solar voltaic and solar thermal panels, permitted development is conditional on minimising the effect on the amenity of the area and external appearance of your house or flat."

However, the leaflet also stipulated that the changes do not apply to listed buildings or those situated in conservation or World Heritage areas. For more information, see http://wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/publications/090901planningmicrogenen.pdf