17/11/2009 - Green planning laws may be axed
Plans have been launched to allow businesses to build on-site installations such as wind turbines and solar panels without applying for planning permission.
A relaxation in planning rules was put forward by the Government to encourage the proliferation of small-scale renewable power facilities and electric vehicle charging points.
Locations like industrial estates and farms would be allowed to put up wind turbines up to 15 metres high.
However the government says the relaxation of planning rules would come with strict caveats about size, noise levels, location and the visual impact on an area.
Planning minister, John Healey, said: "Our planning rules need to catch up with changing technologies and allow people to take the small measures that make big differences. Not only could this save up to hundreds of pounds in fuel bills, they will also help the environment."
The new rules would also allow councils and electric car drivers to install electric car charger points on streets and in car parks without making a planning application.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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