Clarke Welcomes Boost For Solar Energy

Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels.

The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.

The improvements will come into operation on April 30, this year and follow on from permitted development rights previously introduced for the installation of domestic solar panels on homes.


Councillor Clarke said: "I welcome the recent announcement by the Minister for the Environment that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels.

"I have no doubt that this will help us work towards a cleaner, greener and more environmentally friendly Northern Ireland, by removing the process of making a planning application.

"By allowing schools, businesses and farms to install solar panels without acquiring full planning application will help them enjoy the benefits of solar energy much more easily."

(CD/H)