Microgeneration Strategy should take a location based approach
In responding to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) consultation on a Micorgeneration Strategy, EPUK have strongly urged the department to ensure that the final strategy supports the achievement of carbon reduction targets by maximising emission reductions and making broader links with other areas of policy – in particular achieving air quality targets, reducing noise impacts and addressing fuel poverty. As stated in our comment on the Renewable Heat Incentive, small wind turbines work best in rural areas where there is more wind, properties are off the gas grid and there is less likelihood of causing noise disturbance to neighbours. Similarly, rural biomass burners are more likely to have a readily available local source of fuel and less likely to cause breaches of air quality standards. Careful consideration of where microgneration technologies are sited is key to ensure carbon savings are maximised, local environmental impacts minimised (and potentially reduced) and opportunities to reduce fuel poverty are recognised.
The planning system is the key tool for facilitating such an approach – however to date there has been little sign of a sensible approach to planning that will maximise the benefits of small renewables – although the recent decision on microgeneration in on non domestic premises in Scotland is a step in the right direction. In line with the Government's Localism agenda, local authorities are best placed to decide upon practical implementation of this system, restricting deployment of particular technologies in some areas and removing planning restrictions in others.
Government proposals to allow blanket permitted development for many classes of microgeneration technologies run counter to such a local approach, replacing local decision making through the planning system with central prescription via permitted development. This undirected approach also risks undermining confidence in the performance of small renewables – both in terms of cost benefit and local impact. The recent decisions in Scotland gives some hope that local impact issues at least are being taken seriously – and we hope DECC will take heed.
The full consultation response can be read here
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