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Mid Western Regional Authority 8 February 2008

Mid Western Regional Authority 8 February 2008. “Proposed Planning Exemptions for Renewable energy Technologies” . George Burke Planning Section DoEHLG. Overview. Irish Planning System Key Drivers - Renewables Public Consultation Legislative Process Exemptions for Renewables

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Mid Western Regional Authority 8 February 2008

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  1. Mid Western Regional Authority 8 February 2008 “Proposed Planning Exemptions for Renewable energy Technologies” George Burke Planning Section DoEHLG

  2. Overview • Irish Planning System • Key Drivers - Renewables • Public Consultation • Legislative Process • Exemptions for Renewables • Future Issues

  3. Planning in Ireland • Planning and Development Act, 2000 • Introduced concept of “sustainable development” in the planning process for the first time • Section 4(1)(h) – provides exemption for “development … which does not materially affect the external appearance of the structure …”. • Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 • No exempted development provisions for renewables

  4. Implementation of Planning Policy • Planning authorities • 34 local authorities • 54 town councils • An Bord Pleanala

  5. Key Drivers – Renewables • Ministerial Commitment • National Climate Change Strategy • White Paper on Energy • The Power of One Awareness Scheme • Greener Homes Scheme

  6. Review Process 2 overall aims: • Review planning legislation relating to use and installation of renewable technologies. • Remove regulatory barriers to the uptake of renewables in keeping with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development.

  7. Pre-consultation • Initial Research • Main Renewable Technologies Identified • Draft exempted development provisions prepared

  8. Micro-Renewable Technologies Consultation Process • Issued for short consultation period – 3 weeks (Nov 06) • 64 submissions received • Most comments related to proposed exemptions for wind turbines and solar panels • Mostly positive – many want more and bigger

  9. Renewable Technologies Consultation Process • Issued for longer consultation period – 3 months (Oct 07-Jan 08) • 47 submissions received • Most comments related to proposed exemptions for wind turbines • High interest also in CHP and solar panels • Mixed reaction

  10. Renewables Exemptions • For Industrial Sites, Commercial and Public Buildings, and Agricultural Structures • Wind turbines, solar panels, heat pumps, combined heat and power, biomass – all included under the exemptions, but…. • Conditions apply.

  11. Wind Turbines - Conditions • Height – max 20m • Blade diameter – max 8m • Distance from: • Boundary – total height +1m • Public road – 50m • Nearest inhabited dwelling – 100m • Noise <43dB(A) at nearest inhabited dwelling • Only one per house

  12. Solar Panels - Conditions • Aperture area • Roof - up to 50 sq metres/50% of roof • Wall/Free-standing – up to 25 sq metres (Agricultural, Commercial and Public only) • Distance above: • Flat roof – max 2m • Pitched roof – max 2m • Ground (Free-standing) - max 2m

  13. Heat Pumps - Conditions • Ground or air source • Air source: • Industrial - max 15 sq metres • Others – max 10 sq. metres • Ground source: ground level not to be altered by more than 1m • Noise levels: not above 43dB, or 5dB above background levels • Not forward of front wall of the house

  14. Biomass – Conditions • Storage tank or structure not to exceed 50,000 litres • Gross floor space – 20 sq. metres • Height: • Flue – 15m • Boiler/storage tank – 3m • Noise levels: not above 43dB, or 5dB above background levels

  15. Combined Heat and Power - Conditions • Gross floor space: • Industrial – 500 sq. metres, Others – 300 sq. metres • Height: • Structure – max 10m, Flue – max 20m • Slightly smaller for agricultural structures • Noise levels: not above 43dB, or 5dB above background levels • Distances – up to 200m from inhabited dwellings

  16. Non-exempt Key message to prospective end users Seek planning permission for turbines which fall outside of scope of exemptions. Key message to planning authorities Thresholds should not influence decisions by planning authorities on applications for permission for the installation or erection of renewable technologies which fall outside the scope of the exemptions. Key message to all This is an ongoing process.

  17. Future Challenges • Improved technologies • Monitoring and review • International best practice • Important role of Regional Authorities and Local Authorities

  18. Contact Details • Papers available @ www.environ.ie • Address queries to: planning@environ.ie

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