Biomass Boilers and Combined Heat and Power Systems and the Planning System

Generating energy from renewable sources is good for the environment and good for your pocket as a householder. But if you are thinking of installing a Biomass Boiler or Combined Heat and Power System do you need planning permission or not?

To find out if you do read on, or call Claire on 01282 872570.

Wood-fuelled heating systems, also called biomass systems, burn wood pellets, chips or logs to provide warmth in a single room or to power central heating and hot water boilers. stove burns logs or pellets to heat a single room – and may be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating as well. And a boiler burns logs, pellets or chips, and is connected to a central heating and hot water system.

The benefits of a biomass boiler are that wood is an affordable heating fuel: although the price of wood fuel varies considerably, it is often cheaper than other heating options; the wood fuel boiler systems could benefit from the Renewable Heat Premium Payment and the Renewable Heat Incentive; and it is a low-carbon option: the carbon dioxide emitted when wood is burned is the same amount that was absorbed over the months and years that the plant was growing. The process is sustainable as long as new plants continue to grow in place of those used for fuel.

‘Micro-CHP’ stands for micro combined heat and power. This technology generates heat and electricity simultaneously, from the same energy source, in individual homes or buildings. Domestic micro-CHP systems are currently powered by mains gas or LPG; in the future there may be models powered by oil or bio-liquids. Although gas and LPG are fossil fuels rather than renewable energy sources, the technology is still considered to be a ‘low carbon technology’ because it can be more efficient than just burning a fossil fuel for heat and getting electricity from the national grid.

The benefits of a combined heat and power systems are electricity generation as a by-product of heat; carbon savings; financial income – micro-CHP is eligible for Feed-in Tariffs; easy installation – there is very little difference between a micro-CHP installation and a standard boiler; and servicing costs and maintenance are estimated to be similar to a standard boiler – although a specialist will be required.

Within The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2011 Part 40 relating to the “Installation of Domestic Microgeneration Equipment” includes Class E and F which relate to the installation flues for biomass boilers and flues for CHP systems.

The actual systems do not require planning permission to install as they are generally installed internally within the dwelling house, but the flues which both systems require may sometimes need permission

Class E gives householders “permitted development rights” to install flues forming part of a biomass system on houses without planning permission in some instances. There are 2 criteria which the installation has to satisfy in order to be acceptable without the need for planning permission.

Class F gives householders “permitted development rights” to install flues forming part of a combined heat and power system on houses without planning permission in some instances. There are 2 criteria which the installation has to satisfy in order to be acceptable without the need for planning permission.

If you are unsure, here at Kirkwells, we can advise you whether your development needs planning permission or not. Just give us a call on 01282 872570 or email Claire Parker at claireparker@kirkwells.co.uk

If your installation requires planning permission, we can also handle the submission on your behalf.

Kirkwells also has a network of professionals who are experienced at installing renewable energy systems on houses. If you wish to discuss this, please give us a call and we will put you in touch with someone who can help you.

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk

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