Renewable energy company Eco Environments has called for the government to stop councils going against laws intended to encourage solar power schemes.

The company said that clear rules are in place but that a number of councils are going against the government’s guidance by wrongly telling people they require planning permission or Building Regulations approval.

“The Government’s rules are clear,” said David Hunt, a director with Eco Environments. “Planning permission is not required unless you live in a listed building or conservation area and Building Regulations are not required as long as the homeowner uses a contractor under the government’s Competent Person Scheme. Even in a conservation area, planning should be permitted and Building Regulations should not be necessary as long as the homeowner notifies the local authority and uses accredited installers. The Government needs to make it absolutely clear to local authorities everywhere that they have a duty to adhere to these rules rather than standing in the way of progress.

The majority of councils do comply, “but a small number seem hell bent on causing as many problems as possible”, he said. “By doing so, they are discouraging people from pursuing renewable energy solutions for their homes and cocking a snook at the Government’s environmental agenda.”

Hunt added that he had been contacted by shadow energy minister Huw Irranca-Davies who had promised to raise the matter in Parliament.

Cathy Debenham, the founder of renewable energy champion You Gen, said: “Councils lost an important revenue stream when they were told that they should no longer require planning permission for solar PV schemes. By trying to persuade homeowners into believing they do need permission, or at the very least Building Regulations approval, maybe they are attempting to cling on to some kind of ongoing income.”

Hunt called for the government to publish a simple, definitive guide for councils to follow.

• Click here to return to the previous page
• Subscribe to our free construction newsletters