More householders will be able to power and heat their own homes without needing planning permission under plans set to be unveiled this week by the Scottish Government.

While many homeowners can now install technologies including solar panels, ground and water source heat pumps without planning consent, anyone seeking to erect their own wind turbine or air source heat pump must first get permission.

A consultation, to be launched on Friday February 5, sets out circumstances where it would be suitable for people to install such technologies without having to make a planning application.

The proposals seek to remove barriers to householders who want to play their part in cutting emissions through use of small-scale micro generation technologies while safeguarding the quality of the environment.

-- Advertisement --

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "We are determined to help people cut energy bills and play their part in reducing emissions. By cutting red tape in the planning system we can make it easier for households to generate their own clean, green energy.

"Encouraging greater use of microgeneration by homeowners can provide an important boost to Scotland's renewables sector, potentially generating additional jobs in this world class green industry.

"We have already acted to make it possible for people to install certain technologies, but recognise we could go further. That's why, after researching the feasibility, we are now consulting on these ambitious new measures."

Mike Thornton, Scottish Director of the Energy Saving Trust, commented: "Micro wind turbines and air source heat pumps have the potential to play a significant role in generating sustainable energy and contributing to Scotland's climate change targets.

"Permitted development rights for these technologies are an important step in reducing the barriers for their uptake.

"The current consultation makes progress in areas such as micro wind for rural properties. We look forward to the Scottish Government continuing the process of expanding permitted development rights."

(GK/BMcC)