The government is signalling planners to be less rigid in dealing
with renewable energy developments in new planning applications.
Renewable energy from wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal technologies
will play a vital role in creating the sustainable communities
of the future, said the government in a document introducing new
policies on renewable energy.
But this does not necessarily mean we will have windfarms in
and around communities. Minister for Planning Keith Hill said:
"Although wind energy is expected to make a significant contribution
to meeting our 10% renewable energy target by 2010, these policies
will apply equally to all other renewable energy technologies."
The new policies will allow local planning authorities to set
requirements for renewable energy in new buildings, as well as
encouraging small-scale renewable resources in existing developments.
The new guidance includes provision for:
-
Regional and local plans should encourage rather than restrict
renewable energy resources.
-
Planning authorities can require new developments to use
on-site renewable energy sources for a percentage of their energy.
-
Targets for renewable energy generation should be set out
in regional spatial strategies.
-
All developments should be considered in the light of impacts
on nationally and internationally important wildlife and conservation
sites.
The government believes that renewable energy developments can
be accommodated where the technology is viable and when environmental,
social and economic impacts can be addressed, it said. Regional
and local planning policies should be designed to promote and
encourage the development of renewable resources.
"The development of a broad range of renewable energy resources
is vital in our fight against global warming and climate change,"
said Keith Hill.
The policies form part of the government's thrust to build sustainable
communities. Keith Hill said: "Our communities will only
be truly sustainable if their energy needs are met from renewable
sources."
"That is why we have included new policies within [the statement]
to allow local planning authorities to set requirements for renewable
energy in new buildings, as well as policies on the encouragement
of small scale renewable resources in existing development - in
both urban and rural areas."
The policies include: "…continued protection for our
most valued landscapes, such as national parks and Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty," said Hill, "But we must also recognise
that some small-scale renewable energy developments will be capable
of being accommodated in such areas - such as solar panels on
buildings - without serious environmental impact."
Friends of the Earth today welcomed the announcement but said
the government must do more to make its commitment to renewable
resources work in practice.
Get
this news on your website !
Sponsored listings: