Extensions to permitted development rights in Wales

[Ted]

Finally we have the new proposals from WAG on changes to GPDOs for both domestic and non-domestic properties in Wales.

http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/planning/microgenconsultation/?lang=en

Consultation period closes on 3rd July.

In summary it covers the installation of:

1. Non-domestic
  Wind turbines
  ASHPs
  GSHPs
  WSHPs
  Solar panels
  Flues for biomass and CHP systems

2. Domestic
  Wind turbines
  ASHPs
  Solar panels on flat roofs

3. Agricultural/forestry
  Structures to house biomass boilers, AD, and waste and fuel stores
  Structures to house hydro turbines


Features:
Wind turbines and ASHPs only given permitted rights if MCS accredited and installed
No permitted rights for domestic building mounted turbines
Noise level of 45dB for turbines and ASHPs
Permitted rights for National Parks and AONBs - but not World Heritage sites or Conservation Areas
Specific geographical areas will also be excluded (to be defined and made available on a web application)
Non-domestic wind turbines - max hub height 15m
Domestic wind turbines - max overall height 11.1m
Solar panels on flat roofs allowed if max 1m high and at least 1m from edge of roof - as long as not visible from a highway

[djh]

2. Domestic
  Wind turbines
  ASHPs
  Solar panels on flat roofs

Just for curiosity - what's the position in Wales about solar on sloping roofs or on walls?

[Ted]

Basically the same as in England - a max 200mm above the slope of the roof. Permitted rights came into force for these from 1st September 2009.

[Justme]

Filling in the response form now.

I have a few things I will be commenting on, but for the good of the industry & others here what else needs comments?

I am commenting on & disagree with:-

Q2, Insisting on MCS

Allowing the site owner to choose his installer & equipment from all that are available in the market, not just those that can afford to “buy” accreditation. This is the system in use in Scotland. It should be up to the site owner to ensure that the equipment will meet their needs just like any other purchase they would make.

Q4, MCS

Insisting on MCS will stifle the market & limit choice.

Q7, 3m x 3m stand alone array size limits

3m x 3m would limit the size of a PV array to about 1kWp. That’s size is not very cost efficient as you still need all the equipment (cables, switches, inverters, disconnects, meters) as a bigger array & at that size that equipment would be a large part of the install equipment cost.


Q8, Wall mounted PV being excluded,

Wall mounted panels work better in winter when the amount of PV produced power is less. Plus on tall buildings even in summer they will produce lots of power. They will also look just like many modern glass fronted building so have minimal visual impact. In summer they will reduce the need for Aircon as the suns energy will be extracted.

Q9, Adding National Parks & AOONB to the excluded list for stand alone arrays.

As those areas are so large it would preclude many people & sites from installing equipment. People that live in those areas do so because they want to live in harmony with their surroundings & so will self limit the installations impact

Q10, Array size limit.

Array size should be set as a % of available land with a max of the 4Kwp per phase that is allowed to connect to a single phase mains grid system.

Q13, Water turbine PD / PN

give PD for smaller install & PN for larger ones

Q14, Roof mounted turbines

NEVER give PD or Planning to roof mounted domestic turbines

Q15, MCS
Q17, MCS

Q18, You say you want to help & encourage small businesses yet you insist on MCS which will stifle smaller companies, raise costs to the end consumer & slow product development.