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.

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.

Segen Planning Application Service

The easiest way of obtaining planning permission is to use Segen's Planning Application Service. Using the information captured during a site survey, a member of Segen's Planning Team will prepare a full planning application for a small wind turbine and submit it to your Local Authority.

For full details and prices of Segen's services, please click here.

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