Merton rule adapted to accept offsite renewables
The ‘Merton Rule’ will remain a key part of the Government’s planning policy, according to Housing Minister Yvette Cooper.
A new version of the planning policy statement is due to be published soon and the Minister said it would be “more ambitious about local renewable energy, not less”. However, the Government has compromised in one significant area following pressure from developers.
Renewable energy generated offsite will now be acceptable as part of a scheme’s compliance. Previously, the Merton Rule stressed that 10% of a project’s energy needs should be provided by onsite renewable systems, and other local authorities had adopted this principle and built on it. London planners had announced that they would insist onsite renewables provided 20% of energy demand from 2010.
“We believe [Merton Rules] should be sufficiently flexible to allow for offsite as well as on site renewable technologies and councils should also consider wider local low carbon opportunities,” said Ms Cooper.
Local authorities will be able to “continue with and adopt new Merton Rules… although, clearly, they must be well-founded to ensure they are achieving their ultimate aims of cutting carbon”, she added.
The property industry has been pushing hard for greater flexibility in how renewables are adopted. Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Foundation, said:
“Policy on energy supply has to move on and it is unrealistic to expect all developments to stick to a rule that may not be workable in their area. We are pleased that government has taken on board our recommendations and listened to advice.”