Cutting planning red tape to deliver low carbon homes is welcome news but it needs to be part of an overall policy delivery package to help householders retrofit their homes.

That's the warning just issued by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the announcement by Housing Minister, John Healey MP to overhaul the planning system in a move towards a low carbon future.

In proposals published for consultation, homeowners, developers and businesses will be able to install their own on-site wind turbines, and air source heat pumps without the expense and red tape of planning permission.

The new rules would also allow councils and electric car drivers to install electric car charger points on streets and in car parks without needing to make a planning application.

The relaxation of the planning rules would come with strict caveats about size, noise levels, location and the visual impact on an area. During the course of the three month consultation, the Government will be asking for views about these standards and requirements for the final legislation. Once agreed by Parliament, the new rights would be closely monitored and regularly reviewed.


Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: "Reform of the planning system to make it easier for householders to install their own wind turbines and air source heat pumps is a significant step forward to create greener more energy efficient homes but it ignores the fact that for most householders the cost of such measures will be prohibitive. If the Government is serious about its aspiration to retrofit all homes by 2030 it will need to set out a clear joined-up delivery plan including a range of fiscal incentives to help householders towards the cost of installing greener measures."

The proposals will outline how businesses and public buildings will be able to install renewable technologies such as solar panels. This could lead to the installation of new solar roofs at stadiums, schools and railway stations, or recladding an office building with solar panels, potentially saving thousands of pounds a year on energy bills.

Berry concluded: "Rather than coming out with a series of piecemeal initiatives the Government needs to get its thinking together and set out a comprehensive delivery plan which includes reform to the planning system; incentives to help householders upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient; and support for employers who want to train their staff to learn the new skills that are need to create a low carbon Britain. Only by tackling all these issues in one delivery strategy will we move towards building a greener Britain."

(CD/BMcC)