Domestic Renewables

Soaring costs of heating oil, gas and electricity are having much more impact on the public than years of leaflet drops about sustainable development and the environment.

DIY giants have finally recognised that there is money to be had from the public who are fed up of forking out for the basics and are willing to invest in what nature has to offer.

Daylight can be harnessed through solar panels to heat water and rooms alike, while the wind that seems to blow constantly across our isle can be used to good effect to power the host of electrical items that drain our National Grid so heavily.

The spin off for the globe of going natural is huge as the rapidly depleting atmosphere-poisoning fossil fuels are replaced by water, wind and light.

But before we all rush out and celebrate our new-found greenness and frugality, an environmental awareness that is being pushed by the Government at every turn, we must consider the possible conflict with planning regulations.

In the same way as the invasion of satellite dishes tuned our attention to the regulations, not to mention the veritable glasshouse of conservatories, so the possible proliferation of solar panels and wind turbines has us grasping for the rulebook.

They may not damage the environment but they could be an aesthetic disaster. Wind turbines could also create noise and even affect other electrical installations.

Your average green appliance can cost as much as £1,500, a considerable sum, especially if it prompts an enforcement notice from the council within days to take it down again.

At the moment it is a very grey area for local authorities. If they follow the letter of the law it will say one thing about such accessories but the Government guidelines that promote sustainability so rigorously urge another. Only the test of time and the law will find the correct balance.

So before seeing the light or becoming Windy Miller it is vital that you seek proper advice on the planning restrictions that govern all our homes.

As of this summer, four-bedroom and, in the last week, three-bedroom properties being sold on the open market must be accompanied by an Energy Performance Certificate.

This sees homes graded from A-G; A being the snuggest, warmest and most energy efficient, G the draughty opposite.

Anyone wanting to sell up and move on must have a survey of the energy efficiency of their property. This is also being linked to the possible introduction of council tax rebates for the most environmentally sound and even access to special green mortgages.

While new houses will be green from the moment they spring from the earth thanks to a raft of new energy building regulations, the real challenge will be energising our massive housing stock of Victorian, post-war and 1960s properties.

But before you do anything – whether that’s clad, lag, erect a turbine or install solar panels – take proper advice or risk being left out in the cold.

lSteve Barker is a planning consultant in the town and country planning team, at Blackett Hart & Pratt. For more information contact him on (01325) 466794.