Deep Underground

A long time ago, the summer of 1991 I think, I worked at the NIREX deep borehole just a few miles away from Sellafield. They were drilling down and drawing up cores from far beneath Cumbria and then logging the state of the rocks down there. It's where I got the name Discontinuous Infill, which has been applied to cartoons and other projects since then.

The aim of the borehole was to check the stability of the bedrock in the area to ascertain whether it would be a suitable site for the deep disposal of vitrified nuclear waste. My cynical take on it was that the government had already decided to bury stuff there and they thought the people around Sellafield were gullible enough to take on another nuclear dump and, anyway, it wasn't a Conservative seat so they weren't going to lose much.

It's possible all that data I typed in may yet be reassessed as there are calls to hurry up on properly disposing of the country's existing nuclear waste.

Technorati tag: Nuclear Waste, Nuclear Power

Electrons are fast

Two pieces of high performance electric car news-

Lotus is to build the Tesla Motors electric roadster at its plant in Norfolk. (via Jalopnik)

Eight wheeled electric car the Eliica (Electric Lithium-Ion battery car) can out accellerate a turbocharged Porsche.

Performance electric cars are a step toward increased acceptance. If they can help shake off the milk float image then motor journalists and ordinary drivers will start to take them more seriously.

Technorati tag: Electric Car

VAT rules hit Energy Saving Trust

A UK body which advises households on reducing energy consumption says it may have to cut jobs and cancel projects because of a new tax ruling.

The Energy Saving Trust has been told government grants after May of this year will become liable for VAT.

Technorati tag: Energy Saving Trust

Step On for free energy

The Pacesetters Project is looking at ways to harness electricity from under our feet. They calculate that systems built into pavements could harness 5 to 7 watts for every footstep on them and the vibrations of passing trains could power signals on the line.

Technorati tag: Energy, Generation

The Nottingham Declaration

The Nottingham Declaration is a public commitment by local authorities to recognise the impacts of climate change and take action against it. Actions include delivering carbon dioxide reductions at the local level by improving energy sourcing, travel and transport, waste production and disposal, and the purchasing of goods and services.

In support of this, the Government is supporting the launch of a new climate change Action Pack for local authorities. The pack will provide tools and advice to local authorities on how to recognise the impacts of climate change locally and take action to minimise causes in their area.

Technorati tag: Nottingham Declaration, Local Council, Climate Change

Hush wind turbine

The multi bladed Hush Turbine is designed to run at relatively low speeds compared to conventional horizontal axis turbines. This, and an annular ring that joins the tips of the many angled blades, means it can run virtually silently and be better balanced to reduce vibration. It will be available in sizes from 1 metre to 5 metres.

via Hugg

Technorati tag: Wind Turbine

Biomass for the lazy

Bixby Energy Systems have developed a pellets stove that can burn almost anything. The trick is in formulating the pellets to burn at a given temperature and company founder Bob Walker has done just that. This means that pellets can be made from local waste materials, keeping the supply chain short. He has even developed a hopper system to automate the transfer of fuel to the burner for the really lazy. Wired article.

Technorati tag: Pellet Stove, biomass

Hyperthermia

A sobering article in the Guardian on the effects of over heating on the body and what to do about it.

Technorati tag: Hyperthermia, Heat Wave

What the future holds

As the heat wave enters a second week a number of papers have been predicting what Britain will look like as global warming progresses. This is the Guardian's take.

Technorati tag: Global Warming

Backlash on carbon allowances

I thought the carbon allowances scheme was a positive idea from the Government. It probably originated from somewhere more in touch with the problem than the Prime Minister's office. However others have commented that it could be as far off as so many other ideas. It could be several years before such a scheme was viable. In the meantime heavy users could be punished by taxation, but that doesn't offer the balancing incentive that allowances would.

Technorati tag: Carbon allowances

Bees and wildflowers decline together

Specifically, the diversity in bees and the wildflowers they rely on are declining in step. Habitat alterations, climate change and modern industrial farming are all factors in this decline. This isn't just a bad thing for bee lovers, as pollination by insects is estimated to be worth between £20m and £50m every year.

Technorati tag: Bees, Wildflowers, Pollination

MP's Green press releases

COUNCILS NEED MORE FREEDOM TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE - FOSTER

Commenting on the launch yesterday of a climate change 'Action Pack' for local authorities, Bath's MP Don Foster said:

"Councils have proved they can be far more innovative than central government, and they would be able to achieve even more if they were given the freedom to do so.

"The Government must now give councils the powers and tools they need to go further and faster.

"Liberal Democrat led councils have been leading the way on initiatives tackling climate change. I am delighted that the Government has now come on board."

John Baron MP helps lay foundations for new Aerox Waste Treatment Plant

MP says this experiment is very important

Today John Baron MP joined the Cleanaway Pitsea Marsh Trusts' Annual Review Day, by visiting the proposed site of Cleanaway's new Aerox Waste Treatment Plant in Pitsea Landfill site. John was joined by Doug Benjafield (Chairman of Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust - CPMT) and Ben Purcell (who is designing the plant and is Project Manager) and local councillors.

John said:

"This project is very exciting. It is designed to take out the methane from biodegradable waste and therefore is very environmentally friendly – methane being 21 times more dangerous to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide."

"Initiatives like this are terribly important to our future. Other technologies may or may not succeed, but it is important that all options are explored in order to make our world a safer environment."

"My congratulations go to Cleanaway and Ben Purcell for pushing this experiment forward. We will know by the spring of next year whether it has been a success or not. If it has, then this process could be rolled out across the country for the benefit of all."

ENERGY REVIEW PROMISED MUCH AND DELIVERED LITTLE

Local MP David Heath has responded to the publication of the Government's energy review.

"The Government has been in office for 9 years and we have just received a second energy review. What does it tell us? That decisions will be made in the future. We are continually told by this Government about its concerns for energy security and climate change and yet when it has an opportunity to show some leadership on the issue they have responded with little of substance."

David Heath MP for Somerton and Frome, then went onto outline what should be done.

"What we need is a holistic approach which has all sections of society working together to reduce energy usage, increase energy efficiency and produce measures which will give us both energy security and carbon reductions. Climate change is a reality and we need concrete proposals and concrete action now. The current malaise where we continue with what has worked before while making small changes and placing our faith entirely in future technological revolutions must end. We can do more, for the benefit of our economy, our national security, our environment and our children and I will be pressing the Government to take its responsibility seriously."

Technorati tag: MP, Press Release, Environment

The Tesla, making electric cars sexy

The Jalopnik crew got to see the Press introduction of Tesla motors' new electric roadster, complete with a Schwarzenegger appearance. The car is based loosely on the Lotus Elise and has some parts produced by the company. The battery pack is integrated into the chassis as a strengthening member and it can be charged in a few hours using a dedicated unit or on the road using an adapter. How long until we see one driven all the way across the USA?

Technorati tag: Electric Car

Green news from China

Two pieces of positive news from China.

The state is planning to spend $175 billion on an environmental clean up.

The money -- equivalent to about 1.5 percent of GDP -- is to be spent on measures including control of water pollution, improving air quality in cities and halting soil erosion, the official Xinhua news agency quoted He Bingguang, of the State Development and Reform Commission, as saying.

Sewage treatment plants would be built in 10 river valleys to dispose of waste water discharged by urban areas and part of the funds would also be used to reduce sulphur dioxide and dust in major cities.

In Beijing, the roofs are all going green, as this is an easier and cheaper way to create new green space than to try and find room at ground level.

both via TreeHugger

Technorati tag: China, Environment, Green Roof

Personal carbon trading

Environment Minister David Miliband has proposed personal carbon taxation. It would act as a sort of consumer level carbon trading, with individuals getting cards that record their carbon usage. High consumers would use up their allowances quickly and low users could trade with them. The great leveller would be that, no matter where a person stood in society, the allowance would be the same.

Providing they see this through it could be a great driver for uptake of energy efficient products and renewables. The low carbon users could use the extra income from selling their carbon points to invest in cutting them further and the heavy users might learn to start balancing their carbon budgets and deciding which luxuries were really worth it.

This scheme, or a very similar model, has been proposed before, but I can't track down just where at present.

via Treehugger

Technorati tag: Carbon Trading, CO2

Livingstone targets 'Chelsea tractors'

Ken Livingstone has proposed changes in London's congestion charging which will see smaller, less polluting cars paying less and larger fuel hungry ones paying up to £25 a day.

"My aim is to see the cutting of carbon emissions and the protection of our environment at the heart of the scheme," said Livingstone.

"There is a growing sense of concern amongst Londoners about climate change caused by CO2 emissions, which is the biggest single problem facing humanity, and tackling this threat requires decisive action.

"'Chelsea tractors', many of which are responsible for some of the highest CO2 emissions of any cars on our roads, have to be dealt with.

"I want TfL to look at lower congestion charges for cars responsible for lower than average CO2 emissions, broadly the retention of the current rate of £8 for most cars, and much steeper charges of perhaps £25 for the really environmentally damaging cars such as the so-called 'Chelsea tractors'."

Technorati tag: Transport, Fuel Consumption, London, Congestion Charge

Climate change claims the Eiger

One of Switzerland's most famous mountains is set to change dramatically as a huge slab breaks away from it. The Grindelwald glacier is melting due to higher temperatures and water in the fissure between the slab and the main body of the mountain is building up pressure.

This is only the most recent, and dramatic, example of the damage being done by global warming to the Alps. In May the Gotthard road, one of the main routes through the Alps was blocked, and two motorists killed, by a rockslide and on Monday there was a mudslide from a glacier which killed a hiker.

Technorati tag: Global Warming, Switzerland, Eiger

Severn barrage to be reviewed

I'm not so knee-jerk anti nuclear that I'd support any Uranium free alternative, so I'm dubious about plans for a tidal barrage running all the way across the River Severn. Even if it might, as projected, generate 5% of the country's energy supply it looks like another example of the Government thinking big and getting things horribly wrong. My vote is for smaller barrage lagoons on all the country's large estuarys, bottom mounted tidal turbines up and down the rivers and generators built into sea wall replacements.

Tuesday's energy review recommended further study of the Severn barrage, but cautioned on its potential environmental impact.

Technorati tag: Severn Estuary, Tidal Power, Energy Review

David Cameron gets his windmill

Greeny-blue (cyan?) David Cameron has been given permission to mount a wind turbine and solar panels on his home. The turbine must be grey, to blend in, and he must renew the planning permission after three years. It's a small, but high profile, victory against the NIMBYs.

Technorati tag: Wind Turbine, Planning Permission, David Cameron

MPs' Green press releases- energy review edition part two

I've decided to start posting the press releases in full. Nuclear power, no thanks!

NUCLEAR ENERGY 'DIRTY, DEAR AND DANGEROUS'

Nick Harvey MP has today commented on the long awaited results of the Government's energy review published this week. The Review concluded that nuclear power is economically viable and should play a role in UK energy policy.

Mr Harvey said:

"This move could have disastrous consequences for Great Britain. Not only has the focus on nuclear prevented the government from announcing urgently required investment into clean coal and renewable technologies, but we are also facing increasing threats from terrorist organisations for whom a nuclear power station would be an ideal target.

"Instead of wasting money on expensive nuclear technology we should be creating the right market in carbon, which would encourage private firms to invest, and raise the funds for essential government-sponsored Research and Development.

"Projects such as the Marine Current Turbines at Lynton and Lynmouth, where a tidal energy farm is now planned, is a shining example of how we might hope to meet our energy needs in the future with not just one but a whole basket of technologies."

NUCLEAR: THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test today welcomed much of the Energy Review, published yesterday by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, and in particular praised the commitment in the review to energy management and increased support for renewable energy sources.

But he also claimed that the Review has not made the case for nuclear power that had been claimed in some quarters. Indeed, Dr Whitehead cited three questions on nuclear power unanswered in the review:

"Firstly no new nuclear power stations will be online before 2020 according to the Review. This means that any gap in energy supplies will have to be made up before then and not by nuclear.

Secondly nuclear power stations will only be built by private companies if they are confident that they will get their money back. The mechanisms set up in the Review will not achieve that but might instead damage investment in other sources of energy.

Finally, there are strong mechanisms proposed in the Review to encourage energy efficiency and the take up of distributed generation. It is not clear why we need nuclear if these paths are rigorously pursued."

COSTLY NEW NUCLEAR THREATENS ENVIRONMENT

Responding to the DTI Select Committee's report into nuclear power, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, Edward Davey MP said

"Three years ago, there was a growing cross-party consensus around the 2003 energy white paper's recommendations. This outlined a vision for a low carbon non-nuclear future.

"The Government has now surrendered to pressure from the pro-nuclear lobby. The country now faces a costly, ineffective and unpredictable approach to the future of our environment."

CUTTING ENERGY DEMAND WOULD REMOVE NEED FOR BLAIR'S NUCLEAR FOLLY - FOSTER

Bath's MP, Don Foster has spoken out against nuclear power following a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) which stated that almost four times more energy could be saved through energy efficiency measures over the next two decades than could be generated by replacing all the UK’s nuclear reactors.

Commenting, Don said:

"Nuclear is a tried, tested and failed technology with demonstrably higher costs than the renewable alternatives. This report's recommendations to use less energy is yet another endorsement of the approach advocated by the Liberal Democrats. However, under Labour, energy use has been going up and up, year by year, with no sign of ending.

"The most sensible way to ensure security of supply and avoid astronomical expense is to use energy more efficiently. Apart from onshore wind farms, investment in energy efficiency is the most cost effective energy strategy."

McIntosh: New measures to promote local green energy are welcome

Miss Anne McIntosh, MP for the Vale of York, today welcomed proposals by the Government to make it easier for homes to install small-scale renewable energy, such as solar water heating or mini-wind turbines. The move by the Government to change planning rules comes after a Conservative campaign to push for more green energy and micro-generation.

Miss Anne McIntosh explained, "I welcome that the Government has responded to cross-party pressure to make it easier for homes in North Yorkshire and across the country to install renewable energy like solar panels or mini-wind turbines. Where the Government offers positive, constructive and reasonable policies, they will have my support.

"But the Government could do far more to promote green energy, rather than giving unfair subsidies to new nuclear power stations. Conservatives want to enhance our environment by seeking a long-term cross-party consensus on sustainable development and climate change – instead of short-term thinking or surrendering to vested interests. The modern, compassionate Conservative Party believes that quality of life matters just as much as quantity of money."

Also this week, David Cameron has made a major speech calling for:
• A level playing field between renewable and other forms of energy generation.
• Encouraging local generators to sell any spare electricity they generate back to the National Grid.
• Improving and streamlining planning procedures for green energy.

Technorati tag: MP, Press Release, Nuclear Power

87% of British public opposed to new nuclear power stations

From the Green Party press office:

In advance of the government's energy review due tomorrow, the Green Party today released the results of a national survey dramatically highlighting public opposition to a new generation of nuclear power stations, and revealing widespread criticism of the way in which the government conducted it's review.

Green Party Principal Speaker Keith Taylor commented: "When asked directly whether they supported plans to build new nuclear power stations, 87% of respondents rejected the nuclear option, in stark contrast to an overwhelming 98% support for greater investment in renewable energy, and 99% support for greater investment in energy-saving measures at home and work. This puts pay to any suggestion the nuclear power is accepted as a necessary evil by the UK.

"Despite the government's ceaseless attempts to frame the debate as one of 'nuclear, or the lights go out,' the British public are not convinced. The preparatory scare-mongering we have witnessed in recent months from the likes of Alistair Darling, Malcom Wicks and Tony Blair has failed to make any headway on convincing the public of the case for a new generation of dirty and dangerous nuclear power stations.

"The survey also revealed tellingly low levels of confidence in the government's consultation process. 89% of those polled agreed with the statement: 'I think the government had already decided what they wanted to do about nuclear power before this debate started.'

These results concur with the fears today raised by the Trade and Industry Committee 'that the outcome of the government's energy review had been decided in advance.'

Keith Taylor continued: "Accusations of 'rubber stamping' are wholly justified. Only today, leaked documents have revealed plans for a massive expansion of nuclear power across G8 countries and the developing world, in advance of the G8 Summit in St Petersburg next weekend.

"The Energy Review has been Blair's exercise in 'consult and ignore'. Despite determined and widespread public opposition, the government remain hell bent on forcing through a new round of dangerous nuclear power stations, and are prepared to subvert planning frameworks to achieve this.

"Local objections to nuclear power plants could be over-ridden under planning changes proposed by the government's energy review. Councils could alter the appearance and precise location of the sites, but would be unable to reject power plants on the grounds they were not needed.

"If Tony Blair is serious about tackling climate change in a sustainable and effective way, he should seize the opportunity of the energy review to ensure that the necessary legislative framework is in place to stake our future on safe, carbon free and inexpensive sources of energy: wind, wave and solar. Succumbing to pressure from the billion pound nuclear lobby means leading the UK down a dirty and dangerous path."

The survey covered attitudes to different energy sources, opinions on the government's energy review, and the actions people might take to support or oppose different energy technologies. The results show huge confidence in the potential of energy saving and renewable energy - particularly solar, wind and wave power - and massive opposition to new nuclear power stations.

Sian Berry, Green Party Campaign's Co-ordinator and a member of the National Executive commented: "The energy survey demonstrates overwhelming support for energy efficiency, renewable energy and smaller scale energy generation, rather than the current centralised system reliant on the wasteful use of fossil fuels and nuclear power. It also found that if new nuclear power stations were approved, 66 per cent of respondents said they would be prepared take part in mass protests against nuclear power.

"The UK's centralised system of giant isolated power stations wastes a staggering two thirds of the primary energy produced before the electricity reaches our homes. The British public want a new green energy future for the UK, based on local generation through combined heat and power in our communities, micro-generation on their homes and places of work supplemented by large scale renewable energy projects. This is more than an unattainable dream, but an achievable vision.

via Eco Street Blog

Technorati tag: Green Party, Nuclear

Greening the Green Room

Times Online's surfing (?) blog has this article about surfing's eco impact.

Technorati tag: Surfing

EPolitix- Government urged to cut energy waste

An influential left-leaning think tank has said the government should clamp down on the nation's waste of power.

The Institute for Public Policy Research wants industry, the public sector and households to cut energy use to help lower carbon emissions and reduce the need for new nuclear power stations.

In a new report the IPPR said concerns about security of supply have dominated the debate about the UK's future energy mix and focused attention on nuclear power.

However the think tank has calculated that almost four times more energy could be saved by using it more efficiently over the next two decades than could be generated by replacing all the UK's nuclear reactors over the same period.

Technorati tag: Energy Saving, Nuclear Power

Scottish Executive's renewables plans

The Scottish Executive has unveiled a draft policy that it hopes will increase the uptake and creation of renewable energy. Amongst them is a requirement for new developments to generate at least 10% of their own power and encouraging local authorities to be more seruious about renewable energy.

Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Renewable Energy, Scotland

MPs' Green press releases

WHITEHEAD'S TEN MINUTES TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS

Dr Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, today introduced his 'Climate Change (Commercial and Public Services Sectors)' Bill under the ten minute rule which aimed to complete the policy picture with regards to the lowering of CO2 emissions in the UK.

Dr Whitehead was keen to use this opportunity to illustrate that the commercial and public sectors required stringent targets to halt climate change by reducing CO2 emissions by 10% by 2010 compared with 2005, and then by an additional 10% in 2020. This is particularly relevant at a time when the UK looks set to undershoot its own domestic target, of a 20% reduction by 2020, by 6%.

Energy Campaigners welcome Bob Spink MP's support for Climate Change Bill

A broad coalition of organisations have today welcomed local MP, Bob Spink's support in Parliament for a Bill to reduce Carbon Emissions from offices.

The MP for Castle Point is one of nearly 200 MPs who have signed a Commons Motion (EDM 2378) supporting the Climate Change (Commercial and Public Services Sector) Bill.

This sector has the fastest growing energy use apart from aviation. With the proliferation of computers and other electronics, its use of electricity, which has a particularly high carbon footprint, is projected to increase by nearly 45% from 1990 to 2020.

The Bill will set legally binding targets for reducing energy usage in the commercial sector and further targets for energy production from renewable sources, Combined Heat and Power and microgeneration.

BRIGHTON MP BACKS PARK AND RIDE- BUT SAYS NUCLEAR POWER IS NOT THE ANSWER

David Lepper, Labour and Co-operative MP for Brighton Pavilion, has told Friends of the Earth campaigners that he does not believe nuclear power is the answer to the country’s long-term energy needs.

In an open letter to Friends of the Earth David apologises for not being able to speak at the group's public meeting in Brighton and Hove on Thursday 29 June and writes:

"...while I think it is right that proper consideration should be given to nuclear power, my own view is that it does not provide the answer, stores up immense problems for the future in terms of storage of nuclear waste and offers additional targets for terrorist attack. Reliance on it for energy supply would also be likely to divert attention from the continuing need for research into and support for genuine forms of renewable energy."

Locally, David Lepper says, park and ride must eventually be part of traffic planning to cut congestion and pollution in city centre areas.

Technorati tag: EcoHouse

A vision of 2020

The Independent ponders what the country may look like to reach the Governments CO2 reduction policies. NIMBYs will be terrified, with so many windmills and fields of willow and elephant grass. I like the sound of the latter, put forward as crops for industrial wasteland, particularly if it can be used as anti flood buffering and to reduce water run off.

Technorati tag: Energy Future, Renewable Energy

Can surfers and wave energy coexist?

The question has been raised by the plans to install a "Wave Hub", which will connect wave energy machines to the mainland, off the North coast of Cornwall. Some surfers say wave power stations will reduce the height of waves in the area and harm the large surfing business that has grown in the area. Surfers Against Sewage, meanwhile, are confident the effects will be minimal and the gains will be worthwhile.

Technorati tag: Wave Power, Cornwall, Surfing

UK 'lagging' on renewable energy

This is why I have so little faith in Tony Blair over nuclear power. The Carbon Trust says the UK will only reach 10% supply from renewables by 2020, half the Government's own target. If there had been a real commitment to that target then changes to planning law would have been pushed through years ago to help place windfarms and all the cheerleading for nuclear would have happened for truly renewable energy supplies.

Technorati tag: Renewable Energy, Tony Blair is a Liar

Nuclear news round up

Nuclear planning to be speeded up

Local objections to nuclear power plants could be over-ridden under planning changes proposed by the government's energy review.

Councils could alter the appearance and precise location of the sites but would be unable to reject power plants on the grounds they were not needed.

Trade Secretary Alistair Darling told the Financial Times a "statement of need" would prioritise energy projects.

Do you think this will apply to windmills and wave farms as much as nuclear?

Nuclear 'last resort' for Tories

The Conservatives have said nuclear power should be used only as "a last resort" to supply the UK with energy.

Their Energy Review's interim findings say there should be a "level playing field" for environmentally-friendly sources and other means of power.

Labour argued the Conservatives' proposals would "set renewable development back by a generation".

The report then covers Cameron's comments on decentralising power generation and how the future is microgeneration. It's almost scary to hear the man talking so much sense because I'm sure if elected he'd fail to follow through.

Blair 'changed mind' on nuclear

Tony Blair has told MPs he has changed his mind in the last three years on the need for new nuclear power stations.

An Energy White Paper in 2003 was sceptical about building new nuclear plants, but left the option open.

A government energy review, due this month, is expected to call for additional nuclear power stations.

Mr Blair said he believed new nuclear stations were needed to tackle climate change but wanted the review to decide whether he was right or not.

I just don't trust or believe this man any more. I can't help thinking he's looking for a big glowing legacy more than a secure future.

Technorati tag: Nuclear Power

Environment Jobs

Casa Spinneyhead is moving soon, and I'll be looking for work in its new home in Crewe. For long term employment I should probably check out environmentjobs.co.uk. There's not a lot there at the moment, but I'm on their mailing list so if anything comes up I should hear about it.

via Hippyshopper

Technorati tag: Environment Jobs

Global Warming on the Today programme

The Today programme has an extended roundtable with James Lovelock and a selection of climate scientists in its last half hour today. More detailed, and extended versions of the interviews, can be found at this page.

Technorati tag: Global Warming, James Lovelock, Gaia, Radio 4

How to Sell your House for More

It's the philosophy at the heart of How to Save the World for Free- cutting your energy use saves you money and, in the long run, pays you back more than the investment. The Energy Savings Trust has a game where you can increase the value of your house and save money.

via Eco Street blog

Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Investment

Confirmation of planning permission changes for micro-renewables

The full text of the Government's news release-

Government to cut planning restrictions for micro-generation

DCLG News Release 2006/0049

04 July 2006

The Government is to cut planning restrictions on micro-renewable technology as a new report proposes streamlining the planning system for household applications.

Ministers today announced the Government will reduce planning restrictions for small scale micro-generation - including solar panels and small wind-turbines - as part of measures to simplify the planning system around minor developments.

The new report published today by the Government's Householder Development Consents Review Steering Group says certain householder applications and those for small scale micro-renewable technology - such as solar water heating and small wind turbines - should be allowed to go ahead without the need for a planning application. The Government will publish detailed proposals on micro-generation which take account of size and the impact on neighbours in the autumn.

The review also proposes streamlining the planning system for household extensions that require planning permission but where neighbours do not object. The number of household applications has more than doubled over the last ten years yet the vast majority of these are approved with no objection at all. These planning applications create unnecessary costs and delays for householders as well as taking up time and resources for local planning authorities.

The review also says that the need for applications for extensions should be judged on their impact rather than volume or size. Current rules say that if you have already extended your home you may need planning permission for a simple dormer window or conservatory. These rules can also permit developments that overshadow or intrude on privacy simply because they meet arbitrary volume limits.

Following the report the Government is now examining ways to streamline and simplify the system. By focussing on impact, the Government is looking to remove unnecessary applications whilst increasing protections for neighbours. This means the planning system can focus more resources on major developments.

Yvette Cooper said:

"It is absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small scale micro-generation which is no more obtrusive and can have a real impact on tackling climate change. We want far more micro-generation to be treated as permitted development and we also should be able to simplify the system for small developments such as extensions."

The Government plans to consult on detailed proposals in the autumn. Any changes to the system will come into effect in 2007.

The Householder Development Consents Review (HDCR) Steering Group Report includes eleven recommendations for making planning controls more proportionate, improving the customer experience and providing greater choice for householders through alternative service providers. Further reforms will be announced in due course.

The Government is also welcoming Kate Barker's interim report on Land Use Planning today which makes clear that further changes are needed to increase the global competitiveness of the UK economy.

Notes to editors

1. The Householder Development Consents Review Steering Group Report published today including full recommendations is available via the following link www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1501259

2. The micro-generation study is the first phase of the Government's response and forms part of a wider review of permitted development rights. The Government will consult on detailed proposals including a new Householder Permitted Development Order later this year. In due course the Government will also examine ways of streamlining the system for developments that still require planning permission but neighbours do not object.

3. The review was undertaken within the DCLG under the direction of a Steering Group which included representatives from the RTPI, Local Government, National House Building Council, Citizen's Advice Service, Ashford's Future and the Planning Inspectorate and was chaired until October 2005 by former Permanent Secretary Mavis MacDonald. Full details and terms of reference are available via the link above.

4. The Government already promotes the use of micro-renewable technology through the planning system through Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy. A DCLG survey of local plans published earlier this month reveals many local authorities are now adopting new requirements in their plans for on-site renewable energy in new developments. The Government is now urging all local authorities to do the same and will include this request in the new planning policy statement on climate change due out later this year.

Technorati tag: Micro-renewables, Planning Permission

Woods 4 Sale

I'm not sure what to make of this. Woods4sale.co.uk offers woodland for sale in England and Wales for "recreation, wildlife conservation and investment". The site is primarily dedicated to the intangible benefits of owning some woodland, but they also give information on getting permission to cut down trees and erect buildings.

I would like to own a wood though.

Technorati tag: Woodland

Zero Energy Homes for the mass market

US company Ideal Homes has been building show homes for years which have included low energy and clean air provisions. For their latest they decided to go all out and see how cheaply they could build a zero energy house- one which fed as much electricity back to the grid as it consumed. The finished building came in at under $200,000, a price that they believe puts it in the range of most home buyers. The project has also increased the uptake of some of the technologies used in houses they've sold, a positive knock on effect in itself.

With the big push to build more homes perhaps the Government should look at giving tax breaks to builders who construct houses that approach zero energy or the people who buy them. It would only take a few people telling their neighbours about negative electric bills before everyone wanted some of that low energy goodness.

via Hugg

Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Zero Energy House

Plug in motion sensors

The First Alert hands free light socket has a built in motion sensor to turn the light on when someone enters the room and off after movement ceases. As it doesn't seem to have a light level detector it's best for windowless rooms. It would also be useful to know how much power the IR detector draws to work out whether it really will save energy and money. Amazon.co.uk don't seem to have this product in stock.

via Hugg

Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Lighting