Biomass Boilers Feel the Heat
Biomass boilers with a thermal rating over 45kW are coming under greater scrutiny for non-compliance with planning regulations following Ofgem inspections. Many boilers have been installed without permission and RHI payments are on hold until planning has been obtained.
The planning regulations are not new with Permitted Development Rights not extending to boilers over 45kW; however, a large number have been installed without permission. This is now being treated as a non-compliance by Ofgem with costly delays to payments being caused by a lack of planning permission.
The Good News
Planning policy is supportive of biomass boilers as part of the wider decarbonisation strategy and most boilers have been operating without complaint for a number of years. Any planning applications made will be retrospective, but as the majority of boilers have not caused a nuisance this weighs in their favour.
The Challenge
Even with policy support, it is important that any planning application is both robust and comprehensive. This aids the Local Planning Authority to process applications as quickly as possible by ensuring they have enough information to make a determination. A standard planning application will take 8 weeks to process, so making sure that this isn’t extended unnecessarily is important for getting payments restarted as quickly as possible.
What you will need
As part of your application we would recommend you provide:
- A Planning Statement
- Elevation Drawings of sheds and flues
- Plans of the boiler layout and location
- Photographs of the installation
- Emissions Certificates
- Technical Information relating to the boiler installed
Cogeo’s here to Support You
We can provide you with a full package of planning and environmental support containing all of the above documents and manage your planning application through the process. We are supported by installation partners who have access to technical information for a range of boiler makes and models so we can provide Local Authorities with all information that they require.
You can contact us by filling in our online form or calling the office on 0141 212 1322 to discuss your project with one of our Planning Consultants.
Our message to biomass owners is: "Don’t wait. Get your permissions in place before your boilers are inspected and keep your payments coming in"
Do you think you don’t need Planning Permission?
If you believe that your boiler doesn’t need planning permission or may already have the required permission, our Consultants can confirm all required documents are in place to make sure you are compliant with Ofgem.
In some circumstances a Certificate of Lawfulness will be required to confirm that permission is not required. Our team can help you obtain this from the Local Authority.
