The government has issued a consultation seeking comments on a draft planning statement on renewable energy (PPS 22).
The consultation seeks views and comments on planning guidance relating to renewable energy resources, including solar power, wind farms and biofuel.
“In the past, some local authorities have ruled out almost any development of this sort,” says planning minister Yvette Cooper. “We want to see a more considered approach, so the planning system is used positively rather than negatively.”
The draft guidance urges local authorities to ensure that regional planning guidance and development plans contain policies designed to promote and encourage, rather than restrict, the development of renewable energy resources.
The average UK family releases over 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 4kg of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Renewable energy sources could significantly reduce this pollution.
The new planning statement is intended to replace PPG 22, as the government believes that a considerable amount of the material in PPG 22 is out of date or inappropriate.
The consultation will run until 30 January 2004.
References: EGi Legal News 6/11/03
