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Points to consider before investing in Renewable Energy sources
Before investing in Renewable Energy sources it is worth considering what free steps can be taken to reduce your energy needs, use energy more efficiently and reduce the Carbon footprint of your home. This could include draft proofing, fitting cavity wall and loft insulation, or using energy efficient light bulbs. A number of energy saving ideas can be found by visiting the National Energy Foundation website.
The Suffolk Green Building Network
In Suffolk we now have a growing number of green buildings that are cheaper to heat, cheaper to light, have less environmental impact and are better adapted to climate change. the purpose of the Suffolk Green Building Network is to raise the profile of these fantastic buildings, inspiring others to commission similar projects. Residents, engineers, planners, architects, installers and building managers who share an interest and enthusiasm for green buildings can learn about best practice and innovation through The Green Suffolk website and a series of planned events. The Suffolk Green Building Network is a collaboration between the Creating the Greenest County Partnership and University Campus Suffolk (UCS).
In England, changes to permitted development rights for renewable technologies introduced on 6th April 2008 and 12th March 2009 respectively, have lifted the requirements for planning permission for most domestic microgeneration technologies.
The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) (as amended) grants rights to carry out certain limited forms of development on the home, without the need to apply for planning permission.
First of all check if your home is:
- In a Conservation Area or a World Heritage Site as different rules apply in these designations, meaning there are greater restrictions on the types of equipment that can be installed, particularly on the wall of a building facing a highway.
- A Listed Building identified for its historic or architectural interest.
- Subject to an Article 4 Direction, or a condition on the original planning permission which removes permitted development rights.
It must be noted that each class has a set of conditions that must be complied with for the development to be permitted development. You may also find the English Heritage website a useful source of further information.
Installation alteration or replacement of Solar PV and solar thermal (roof mounted) panels on an existing wall or roof of a dwelling or building in the curtilage of a dwelling house:
Permitted unless;
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panels when installed protrude more than 200mm from the wall or roof slope
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the highest part of the panel installed would be higher than the highest part of the roof
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additionally in a conservation area would be installed on a wall forming a principal or side elevation of a house visible from the highway
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additionally in a conservation area would be installed on a wall of a building within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse visible from a highway
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installed on a building that is in the curtilage of a Listed Building
Installation of a single Solar PV or solar thermal (stand alone) within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse:
Permitted unless:
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more than 4 metres in height
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installed less than 5 metres away from any boundary
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the surface area of the panels would exceed 9 square metres or any dimension of its array would exceed 3 metres
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situated within the curtilage of a Listed Building
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visible from a highway in a Conservation Area
Wood burning boilers and stoves, and Combined Heat and Power System:
Permitted unless:
Ground source heat pumps:
Permitted
Water source heat pumps:
Permitted
Micro and small wind
The current statutory instrument (SI) does not cover micro or small wind.
Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps are in a similar situation to micro wind.
Further advice on whether Building Regulations or Planning Permission is required
Further guidance on the following types of equipment and the need for planning permission and/or Building Regulations approval can be found on the Planning Portal Greener Homes page.
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