A council has been accused of “standing in the way of progress” by demanding that homeowners formally apply for permission to have solar panels installed – despite planning permission for solar panels being abolished over a year ago by the previous government. West Lancashire Borough Council is writing to residents telling them “it is in your own interest to submit a formal application to ascertain whether planning permission is required”. It adds that this is necessary to avoid “possible enforcement action” should a development be carried out which requires planning permission. The council is further requesting a fee of £75 per application in return for a so called “Certificate of Lawfulness”.
Bootle-based Eco Environments, a renewable energy company, described the council’s move as “simply breathtaking” and a “blatant money grab”. David Hunt, one of the company’s directors and a member of the Low Carbon Economy Council for the Liverpool City Region, said: “West Lancs are trying to make £75 per household that wants to go green with no need or justification and all they are doing is putting people off.

“The Government’s rules are clear. Planning permission is not required unless you live in a listed building or conservation area and Building Regulations are not required as long as the homeowner uses a contractor under the Government’s Competent Person Scheme. Even in a conservation area, planning should be permitted and Building Regulations should not be necessary as long as the homeowner notifies the local authority and uses accredited installers".

“The Government needs to make it absolutely clear to local authorities everywhere that they have a duty to adhere to these rules rather than standing in the way of progress. The majority of councils do comply, but a small number seem hell bent on causing as many problems as possible. By doing so, they are discouraging people from pursuing renewable energy solutions for their homes and cocking a snook at the Government’s environmental agenda.”

The revelation about West Lancashire Borough Council’s policy emerged just a week after the company launched a campaign – backed by Shadow Energy Ministers Huw Irranca-Davies and Luciana Berger – calling on the Government to clear up the disarray surrounding Solar PV systems. This followed the decision by Eden Valley District Council in Cumbria to demand Building Regulations applications at £100 a time from homeowners wanting to install solar panels.

Cathy Debenham, the founder of renewable energy champion You Gen, said: “What is the point of Government making laws if councils are going to ignore them? Any council which is pursuing such an agenda deserves to be held to account as their actions fly completely in the face of the Government’s policy of encouraging homeowners and businesses to embrace renewable energy solutions wherever possible.”