Planning permission will no longer be required for microgeneration equipment like solar panels and ground source heat pumps, following changes to the planning regulations announced by planning minister, Caroline Flint.

The changes, which came into effect on April 6, have been introduced to encourage the uptake of microgeneration technologies by householders. Planning Minister Caroline Flint said: “We want to make it easier to help people reduce their carbon footprint. Technology like solar panels can make a real difference, but homeowners can be put off by the time and expense of getting planning permission. We think it is right that people have more freedom to make these changes providing it has no impact on others.”

The amendments allow for the installation of solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, ground and water source heat pumps, biomass heating and combined heath and power systems.