This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7276214.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Home green energy plans reviewed Home green energy plans reviewed
(about 4 hours later)
A planning shake-up to make it easier for householders to install solar panels, wind turbines and ground heat pumps is being considered.A planning shake-up to make it easier for householders to install solar panels, wind turbines and ground heat pumps is being considered.
Energy Minister Stewart Stevenson is consulting on whether micro-generation equipment could be set up without the need for planning permission.Energy Minister Stewart Stevenson is consulting on whether micro-generation equipment could be set up without the need for planning permission.
Micro-generation is a vital part of the government's plan to cut Scotland's carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.Micro-generation is a vital part of the government's plan to cut Scotland's carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
The planning regulations would make the systems easier to install.The planning regulations would make the systems easier to install.
Under the government's plans, solar panels and ground heat pumps would no longer need planning permission, provided they were not in a conservation area.Under the government's plans, solar panels and ground heat pumps would no longer need planning permission, provided they were not in a conservation area.
'Global effort''Global effort'
Wind turbines would need to be less than three metres tall and at least 100 metres away from the next house.Wind turbines would need to be less than three metres tall and at least 100 metres away from the next house.
Mr Stevenson said it was a matter of balancing energy needs with the look of streets and houses.Mr Stevenson said it was a matter of balancing energy needs with the look of streets and houses.
"Everyone has a part to play and the Scottish Government is providing strong leadership by reforming the planning system to encourage greater use of micro-generation equipment," he added."Everyone has a part to play and the Scottish Government is providing strong leadership by reforming the planning system to encourage greater use of micro-generation equipment," he added.
"This signals Scotland's serious intent to lead the global effort to tackle climate change."This signals Scotland's serious intent to lead the global effort to tackle climate change.
"The cost and time required to get planning consent can often be a disincentive to householders seeking to install micro-generation technologies.""The cost and time required to get planning consent can often be a disincentive to householders seeking to install micro-generation technologies."
Nearly a third of Scotland's climate change emissions come from homes, so it is important the public is enabled to play a role in helping to reduce those emissions Elizabeth Leighton WWF Scotland
The Scottish Government recently announced its intention to introduce a statutory target to reduce Scottish emissions by 80% by 2050.The Scottish Government recently announced its intention to introduce a statutory target to reduce Scottish emissions by 80% by 2050.
Energy Saving Trust said it would support the proposals, which would help people to reduced their carbon footprint. The Energy Saving Trust, along with environmental charities, backed the proposals, which will help people to reduce their carbon footprint.
Elizabeth Leighton, of WWF Scotland said: "Nearly a third of Scotland's climate change emissions come from homes, so it is important the public is enabled to play a role in helping to reduce those emissions."
Liz Murray, of Friends of the Earth Scotland, added: "Scotland has fallen behind England in making these changes, so it is vital now that the Scottish Government continues with this process with a greater sense of urgency, to ensure that we don't fall any further behind."
A public consultation will be carried out over the next 10 weeks.A public consultation will be carried out over the next 10 weeks.