West Lancs council accused of eco ‘money grab’

May 26 2011 by John Siddle, Ormskirk Advertiser

WEST LANCS council was last night accused of “money-grabbing” from eco-friendly homeowners.

The authority has demanded that residents wishing to install solar panels pay £75 to apply for a so-called Certificate of Lawfulness – despite there being no need to obtain planning permission in the majority of cases.

Only listed buildings and homes in conservation areas need approval.

Planning bosses wrote to Ormskirk residents Willem and Margaret Wiechers, who were in the process of installing solar panels on the roof of their Redcliffe Gardens home.

They were told that it was “in your own interest” to pay the fee “to ascertain whether planning permission is required for your proposal”.

The letter adds that the couple would risk “possible enforcement action” should a development be carried out which requires planning permission.

Eco Environments, which is working on behalf of the Wiechers, described the council’s move as “simply breathtaking” and a “blatant money grab”.

Company director David Hunt, a member of the Low Carbon Economy Council for the Liverpool City Region, said: “West Lancs are trying to make £75 per household with no need and all they are doing is putting people off.

“The Government’s rules are clear. Planning permission is not required unless you live in a listed building or conservation area and building regulations are not required as long as the homeowner uses a contractor under the Government’s Competent Person Scheme.

“The majority of councils do comply, but a small number seem hell-bent on causing as many problems as possible. By doing so, they are discouraging people from pursuing renewable energy.”

The claims were disputed by West Lancs Council, which said there was not “blanket” permission for solar panels to be installed. It said the Government set the statutory £75 fee.

A spokesman said: “The council fully supports the implementation and development by the public of renewable energy schemes.

“However, as failure to fully meet the requirements set out in the Town & Country (General Permitted Development) Order, will result in a development being unauthorised, the council would strongly advise that site owners reassure themselves that their proposals are compliant with the conditions/constraints before commencing work on site.”