Do I need planning permission?
It is essential in England and Wales to get planning permission to install a small wind turbine, but Segen will help you with this process and provide you with all the supporting information you need.
Planners are generally very supportive and pro-active towards small wind generation projects, and are obliged under Government Rules to consider them in a positive light. Often just calling your local planning authority to explain you are looking at such a project can be worthwhile to get some initial feedback.
Segen has an excellent and very successful supporting document to help with your planning application which we will help you complete to assist with your planning application.
Almost all local councils now allow planning applications to be made on-line via the Planning Portal, which also provides much useful information on the planning application process.
Noise
Noise is often one of the most emotive issues for objections to large and small wind generators, and unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation out in the public domain about it, but Segen will provide you with detailed information on the expected noise levels and provide evidence to support your planning application, including dispelling some of the myths around about wind turbines and noise.
Green Belt
 | About 12% of England is designated as Green Belt and planning authorities very considerably in their attitude towards small wind generators in these areas. Some will refuse all applications, and others will consider them favourably if they feel the location is suitable. If you live in a Green Belt Area then Segen would strongly advise that you consult your local planning department before proceeding with a planning application. |
Planning Application
Using the information captured during a site survey, or if that has not occurred, then supplied by you, a member of Segen staff will prepare a full planning application for a domestic small wind turbine and submit it to your local authority.
This will include:
- A site plan, with your boundary and proposed turbine location marked.
- A description of the site and the turbine location.
- References to any applicable local development plan or renewable energy targets.
- A photomontage of the proposed turbine and tower superimposed on a picture of the site.
- Supporting technical information on the turbine.
Note: Segen will try and make initial contact with the planning department at your council to determine their views and seek advice on the application, this is however not always possible. Should they request a site visit then Segen will arrange this with you, but will not attend in person. An additional charge will also be made if you request that Segen attend a planning committee or public meeting on your behalf.
Segen make a modest charge of £500 + VAT (VAT is only 5% for domestic customers) for this domestic planning application, which includes the normal domestic application fee of £135 levied by the local council. Please contact Segen should you wish to arrange for us to undertake this on your behalf.
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Should your proposed site be in a sensitive area, e.g. AONB or Green Belt, it is essential to prepare a more detailed and customised planning application than in normal circumstances. This will involve more research into the local planning conditions and in depth consultation with the planning authority. Segen therefore make a higher charge of £800 + VAT (VAT is only 5% for domestic customers) for this.
You may also view our full Price List for Site Survey and Planning Application services.
Segen does not normally undertake planning applications for commercial or other non-domestic turbines but we will be able to advise you on who may assist with these.
Further Reading
 | The DTI have developed a Planning Web Site with information for local authority planners and councillors dealing with planning applications for renewable energy developments. |
 | There is some more detailed information on Planning for Small Wind Turbines on the British Wind Energy Association's web site. |
 | The Planning Portal is a central Government web site containing information on the planning process and allowing on-line planning applications to be made. |
 | Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional help, advice and support on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant. Planning Aid complements the work of local authorities but is wholly independent of them |
