Alliance welcomes boost for solar energy in Northern Ireland
Alliance Party South Down spokesperson Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the recent announcement by the Department of the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels.
The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
The improvements will come into operation on 30th April 2013 and follow on from permitted development rights previously introduced for the installation of domestic solar panels on homes.
Speaking to Newry Times, Clarke stated, “I welcome the recent announcement by the Minister for the Environment that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels.
“I have no doubt that this is a great way to working towards a cleaner, greener and more environmentally friendly Northern Ireland by removing the process of making a planning application.
“By allowing schools, businesses and farms to install solar panels without a full planning application will help all schools, businesses and farms to enjoy the benefits of solar energy much more easily.
Clarke added, “Increasing the range of development that no longer needs planning permission will make it easier for businesses and other non-domestic properties to install renewable energy technologies.
“I would strongly encourage schools, businesses and farms to install solar panels and I believe that removing the need for planning permission will make the process easier, quicker and more economical.”
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