I'm sure you will have realised by now that you and Eco Environments are incorrect in stating that planning permission for solar panels was abolished over a year ago.
What is actually the case is that pp for PV or ST on a DWELLINGHOUSE is not required IF i) the equipment would not protrude more than 200mm perpendicular with the plane of the wall or roff slope; or it would be higher than any part of the existing roo (ecl chimneys); or if the building is within a conservation area or world heritage site, the equipment would be on a wall or roof slope forming the principle or side elevation and visible from a highway, or on a wall or roof slope of a building within the curtilage of the principal building and visible from the highway; or if the dwellinghouse is a listed building. The above is also conditioned such that the equipment must be sited so as to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building, and minimise its effect on the amenity of the area, and the equipment shall be removed as soon as reasonably practical.

I am not here to defend these ambguous terms, but it seems to me that West Lancashire Borough Council is correct in telling residents to apply for "lawful development certification" to ascertain whether planning permission is required”.

I think Bootle-based Eco Environments,
should reflect on its own motives here, as to who is making the “blatant money grab”.
Contrary to David Hunt's reputed comments, it seems to me West Lancs are justifying their actions.
Mr Hunt and Green Building should take this up with authors of the poorly drafted legislation.

As I hoped to have deonstrated above “The Government’s rules...." are NOT "... clear. Planning permission is required if you do not satisfy the conditions attached with the legislation.

Contrary again to Cathy Debenham, the founder of renewable energy champion You Gen, West Lancs action does not ".. fly completely in the face of the Government’s policy of encouraging homeowners and businesses to embrace renewable energy solutions wherever possible.” It is the Govt's legislation which confuses the matter.