Planning changes to help businesses go green - commercial mortgages

15 August 2007

Holders of commercial mortgages could see a range of green technologies installed in their properties in the near future following proposed changes to the planning system.

Planning consultancy Entec is to produce new rules that will promote the use of renewable energy without leading to higher costs or delays in the planning process, communities secretary Hazel Blears has announced.

Planning permission for equipment such as wind turbines or solar panels will no longer be needed if the changes do not impact either locals or the environment, Ms Blears revealed.

"This research will be crucial to working out how we can support the business world to do its bit, as we move to a zero-carbon culture," the Labour minister advised.

"Whether it is your local supermarket, pub or the place where you work, green technology could soon be playing a big role in powering the building, whilst cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills too," she added.

Attempts to make properties more environmentally friendly have already begun with the recent launch of Home information packs (Hips), which contain energy performance certificates, for the wider homes market.