Policy Guide Sets Renewable Ideals

Aug 28 - Planning

Renewable energy developments should be capable of being accommodated throughout England where technology allows, latest planning guidance states.

The final version of the policy statement on renewable energy, PPS22, published this week says that planners should "promote and encourage rather than restrict the development of renewable energy". Locations should be capable of accommodating renewable energy installations where environmental, social and economic issues can be tackled, it says.

The policy means that even sensitive locations such as national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty will not be ruled out for installations such as wind farms. Local authorities should adopt criteria-based policies to assess renewable energy applications rather than identifying specific locations for development, the statement adds.

Launching PPS22, planning minister Keith Hill said: "The increased development of renewable energy resources is vital to ensure the delivery of the government's commitments to reduce CO^sub 2^ emissions and combat climate change. Communities will only be truly sustainable if their energy needs are met from renewable resources."

The document allows planning authorities to set plan policies requiring a percentage of the energy to be used in schemes to be generated from on-site renewable energy.

The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) welcomed the guidance. Chris Tomlinson, head of onshore, said: "PPS22 paves the way for more consistent planning policies and more informed decisions across the country."

But the Campaign to Protect Rural England attacked the statement for downplaying the "inevitable negative effects" on the landscape from onshore renewable energy schemes.

PPS22 coincides with BWEA research revealing that the average wind farm application in England takes around a year to be determined. The association wants more resources for authorities that receive a large number of wind energy applications.

PPS22: Renewable Energy and Wind Energy and Planning can be viewed via www.PlanningResource.co.uk .

Renewable energy: policy statement encourages developments

Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. Aug 13, 2004