Government to slash red-tape on 'going green'

The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said that Entec - an environmental and planning consultancy - had been asked to draw up new planning rules to encourage the use of renewable energy.

In particular, they had been asked to research ways of removing barriers to installing small-scale renewable and low carbon technology equipment, that could currently lead to increased costs and lengthy delays.

At present businesses must go through the planning system when they want to install systems powered by solar panels or a small wind turbine. Planning applications can cost around £1,500 and take between 8 and 16 weeks to be considered by councils, with no guarantee that they will be approved.

The DCLG wants Entec to investigate how renewable energy equipment can be included as "permitted developments" - changes can be made without the need for specific planning permission.

The research would also consider what safeguards will need to be in place for circumstances where the benefit of the technology is clearly questionable and outweighed by its impact on the local environment.

'Zero-carbon culture'

Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, said: "This Government is committed to bringing forward changes that will allow us to tackle the growing challenge we face in climate change.

"This research will be crucial to working out how we can support the business world to do its bit, as we move to a zero-carbon culture."

She added: "Whether it is your local supermarket, pub or the place where you work, green technology could soon be playing a big role in powering the building, whilst cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills too."

It has been estimated that 30% to 40% of the UK's electricity could be met by installing microgeneration equipment to buildings by 2050. Other renewable technologies include water generation and ground sources, such as heat pumps and biomass boilers.

According to the DCLG, commercial buildings currently account for 18% carbon emissions in the UK.

The Government announced it had also has also commissioned White Young Green Planning (WYGP) to carry out a wider investigation into what planning reforms were needed to make it easier for businesses to make changes to their premises.

The research will look at whether planning permission can be removed for minor developments - such as small scale extensions and changes to shop fronts - where it is clear they have little or no impact on neighbouring properties or the local environment.