Changes to green building programme
Monday, 31 March 2008

From next month, homeowners, schools and other community organisations interested in fitting their own green energy systems will not need planning permission, the Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks today announced.

An overhaul of the Government's Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP) from April will mean no planning permission is required to install devices like solar panels, ground and water source heat pumps and biomass systems. Relaxation of the planning rules for micro wind and air source heat pumps is expected to follow shortly.

The changes will also see more generous grants for schools and public buildings, while the £10m support still available to householders will be extended until 2010 for new applications.

The changes in full are:
* From April 1st LCBP Household stream will be extended to June 2010 or as long as funds are available, whichever is the sooner.
* From April 1st there will be an increase in grant caps to 50% across all technologies for the schools, charities and public sector phase of LCBP.
* From 6th April, many homeowners will be able to install microgeneration equipment, like solar panels, without needing to get planning permission; as long as there is clearly no impact on others.

 

Events

The Future of UK and EU Climate Change Policy

24 June 2009, Central London

 

Construction Safety Culture

30 June - 1 July 2009, Wallacespace, St Pancras, London

 

CL:AIRE 10th Anniversary Conference

1st July 2009,Barbican Centre,Silk Street,London, EC2Y 8DS

 

Scottish Home Improvement & Self Build Show

3 & 4 October 2009, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh , Scotland  EH28 8NF

 

Health and Safety '09-North

6th and 7th October 2009, The Reebok Stadium, Bolton

 

Infrastructure investments in Northern Ireland

12th to 13th October 2009, Hilton Belfast Hotel, Belfast

 

The Renovation and Self Build Show

24 and 25 October 2009, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre