Public Consultation - Review of Permitted Development Rights

Overview

This consultation is seeking your views on proposals to revise permitted development rights for the installation of domestic microgeneration equipment such as heat pumps and provide new permitted development rights for reverse vending machines.

This consultation will be of interest to those wishing to install microgeneration equipment such as heat pumps and retailers intending to install reverse vending machines.  The intention is to make it easier and quicker for homeowners to install low carbon heat pumps and for retailers to install reverse vending machines to promote and facilitate higher levels of recycling. The proposed revisions will mean that subject to conditions and limitations, the need to submit a planning application for these developments will no longer be necessary.

The consultation is part of the Department’s continuing review of permitted development rights in light of its approach to better regulation. This is intended to provide a considered balance between lightening the regulatory burden on businesses and individuals (and reducing any associated costs) while protecting the environment, amenity and public safety.

Why your views matter

The Department wants to plays its part in facilitating appropriate renewable and low carbon energy development which supports the economy and local communities and also protects the environment.  The proposed changes are aimed at protecting the environment by encouraging the use of low carbon heat technologies and promoting the recycling of drinks containers, whilst ensuring the provision of such infrastructure is sited and designed to keep environmental impacts to a minimum.  They make it easier for energy consumers and providers to utilise renewable energy technologies and retailers to install reverse vending machines without the need for planning permission.

We believe these are important environmental and economic issues and would encourage all those with a vested interest to contribute to this consultation process.

What happens next

When the consultation closes, the responses will be analysed and a report drafted for consideration.