Micro-generation now!
Sunday, November 16th, 2008
Liberal Democrats at West Dorset District Council are campaigning for planning authorities to grant permission for more energy micro-generation such as photo-voltaic panels to be allowed on listed buildings. Planners at West Dorset have rejected a number of recent applications in the area on grounds that the “Overall modern appearance forms a visually incongruous feature harmful to the historic character of the buildings.”
Bridport Councillors Ros Kayes and Dave Rickard, along with local Solicitor & Chair of the Chamber of Trade Mike Harvey, are campaigning for change.
“Adequate insulation is one of the most effective ways of reducing energy consumption and I therefore want to see West Dorset increasing insulation grants,” said Cllr Ros Kayes. “But we are also going to have to change planning rules as we have so many buildings of historic character and 70% of the landscape is designated AONB. To continue to refuse this equipment in conservation areas long-term is environmental folly.”
