MSP homes in on solar push
Call to relax planning restrictions
Stirling’s MSP is pushing for laws restricting the use of solar panels on homes in Conservation Areas, such as Kings Park, to be relaxed.
Bruce Crawford has called on the Scottish Government to encourage local planning authorities to make it easier for the installation of solar panels on homes in such areas.
Local residents have found it difficult to achieve permission from planning authorities due to the conservation status of the area.
Responding to Mr Crawford’s question on the matter in Parliament, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The programme for government commits us to reviewing and extending permitted development rights in a range of areas, including microrenewables such as domestic solar panels, which is very good news.
“We commissioned a sustainability appraisal to consider the social, economic and environmental impacts, including the potential impacts of such changes on conservation areas. We will publish the findings shortly, together with a proposed work programme for taking forward consideration of such
A balance has to be struck and conservation areas should not be left behind in terms of this technology Bruce Crawford
changes.
“Bruce Crawford might be interested in that work when it is published, and I assure him that I will be, too.”
Mr Crawford said: “I’m pleased that this is a matter that is on the Scottish Government’s radar, and that built into the programme for government over this year is a commitment to looking into how development rights in areas such as Kings Park can be extended for renewable energy solutions.
“Solar power is just one of many renewable green energy methods, but it is one that is becoming increasingly popular for use on homes. Understandably, local authorities are keen to preserve conservation areas, but a balance has to be struck, and these areas should not be left behind in terms of this technology – particularly as we are aiming to reach our ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2045.
“I look forward to the findings of the Scottish Government’s appraisal on this matter, which I hope will inform development rights for renewable energy being extended.”