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Home green energy plans reviewed | Home green energy plans reviewed |
(about 10 hours later) | |
A planning shake-up to make it easier for householders to install solar panels, wind turbines and ground heat pumps is being considered. | A planning shake-up to make it easier for householders to install solar panels, wind turbines and ground heat pumps is being considered. |
Energy Minister Stewart Stevenson is consulting on whether micro-generation equipment could be set up without the need for planning permission. | Energy Minister Stewart Stevenson is consulting on whether micro-generation equipment could be set up without the need for planning permission. |
Micro-generation is a vital part of the government's plan to cut Scotland's carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. | Micro-generation is a vital part of the government's plan to cut Scotland's carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. |
The planning regulations would make the systems easier to install. | The planning regulations would make the systems easier to install. |
Under the government's plans, solar panels and ground heat pumps would no longer need planning permission, provided they were not in a conservation area. | Under the government's plans, solar panels and ground heat pumps would no longer need planning permission, provided they were not in a conservation area. |
'Global effort' | |
Wind turbines would need to be less than three metres tall and at least 100 metres away from the next house. | |
Mr Stevenson said it was a matter of balancing energy needs with the look of streets and houses. | Mr Stevenson said it was a matter of balancing energy needs with the look of streets and houses. |
"Everyone has a part to play and the Scottish Government is providing strong leadership by reforming the planning system to encourage greater use of micro-generation equipment," he added. | |
"This signals Scotland's serious intent to lead the global effort to tackle climate change. | |
"The cost and time required to get planning consent can often be a disincentive to householders seeking to install micro-generation technologies." | |
The Scottish Government recently announced its intention to introduce a statutory target to reduce Scottish emissions by 80% by 2050. | |
Energy Saving Trust said it would support the proposals, which would help people to reduced their carbon footprint. | |
A public consultation will be carried out over the next 10 weeks. |