Onsite Renewables

The publication of PPS22 gave local authorities the green light to include policies on building integrated renewable energy systems as well as stand alone generation in their Local Development Frameworks.

The draft Regional Spatial Strategy for South West England included a policy which requires all large scale new development to incorporate onsite renewable energy technologies. The policy is currently being considered by the Planning Inspector following an Examination in Public, and a decision is expected in Autumn 2007 if it will remain in the statutory Regional Spatial Strategy due to come into force in Spring 2008. Information relating to the development of this policy and the details of the policy can be found in section 2.2.3, page 8 of the Final Policy Report on Supporting and Delivering Zero Carbon Development in the South West, January 2007.

Local authorities are invited to extend this policy by increasing the target, or reducing the threshold it applies to. An evidence base is required to justify these changes and may, for example, be related to the scale of development planned in an area. A number of local authorities across the region are looking at making this regional policy locally specific.

Regen SW is working closely with national and regional government to ensure advice provision in the region on renewable energy planning policy is consistent and recommend this type of policy is included within Core Strategies. For more information contact Cheryl Hiles, Senior Policy Manager on 01392 474326.