nuclear-news

UK farmers welcome govt support for renewable energy projects on farms

Farm renewable energy boost, Farming News, (UK) , March 25, 2012 FARMERS’ leaders have welcomed Government plans to exempt small-scale renewable energy schemes on farms from planning regulations.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) say plans to enable on-farm renewables to be built without planning permission will help
farmers to cut their energy costs and deliver a boost to the wider rural economy by creating new sources of income from farm and forestry waste products.

The move means planning permission will no longer be required for farmers who install renewable generators such as solar panels on existing buildings and anaerobic digesters on farming or non-domestic land.

NFU planning policy adviser Ivan Moss said: “This is very good news for our members. The permitted development rights will enable farmers to install small scale renewable energy generation without needing to obtain planning permission. It will reduce their energy costs and make their production greener, making it a win-win for everyone.

“It will also be a boost for the rural economy, so we are pleased that
the NFU’s lobbying work has been so successful…… The CLA says the
proposals for permitted development rights that allow agricultural and
forestry businesses to build renewable energy projects will help
farmers find alternative sources of income from farm and forestry
waste products……
http://www.eadt.co.uk/business/farming-news/farm_renewable_energy_boost_1_1328826

March 26, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | decentralised, UK