Planning changes to make homes greener
John Healey has promised to amend planning rules to make it easier to make homes more environmentally friendly.
Speaking at the Institute for Public Policy Research yesterday, the housing minister said proposals would be published in the next few weeks that would allow wind turbines, solar panels and air source heat pumps to be installed without planning permission.
Mr Healey said a ‘national crusade’ is needed to make homes greener.
‘At the moment, the eco movement is polarised between hair shirts and Prada shirts,’ he said. ‘The “hair shirt” image of self-denial, and the “Prada shirt” brigade who can afford to pop a wind turbine on their roof.
‘My view of the home of the future is an egalitarian vision – not the grand designs of a few, but greener, more affordable homes which help everyone do their bit fto tackle climate change.’
He added that one in three homes standing in 2050 will be built between now and then, making it crucial they meet high energy efficiency standards.
The proposals come ahead of an international climate change summit due to be held in Copenhagen next month, where world leaders will attempt to hammer out a binding agreement to tackle climate change.
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