Introduction

The Council has a policy that all new developments of a certain size must have renewable energy.

Objectives and target audience

The objective is to help reduce the energy usage and carbon emissions of the buildings in the borough, and therefore help reduce the impacts on the climate and natural resources used. The policy also aims to help people save money on their energy bills. It is hoped that the scheme will help encourage others to embrace the use of renewables therefore encourage a culture of renewables in the borough. The target audience is developers in the area, but it is also aimed at residents and businesses area, and those wishing to relocate here.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The financial burden of this scheme i.e. developing the evidence base was supported by the local authority along with other Partners that helped developed Oldham renewable Energy Study.

Process

In 2004, the Council reviewed its Unitary Development Policy (UDP) and it was decided there should be aspiration for more renewable energy generation within the Borough. A study was commissioned to look at the potential for renewables generation and it was found that it was viable at a variety of scales. Around this time, the UK government reviewed its Planning Policy Statement 22 document, this gave local Councils the authority to set their own renewables targets, based on an evidence base. Oldham Council decided on a 10% renewables policy for new developments, and this went into the new UDP, which went live formally in July 2006. Once the UDP was adopted, a supplementary planning document was written. A developer must provide evidence that their development will have at least 10% of their energy from renewable sources, before planning permission is awarded. The Council’s Planning department is in charge of enforcing and administrating this policy. Support is provided by the Councils Environmental Policy team.

Results

Since the adoption of the policy, there have been 94 planning applications (Summer 2008) that have required renewables. There have been a variety of renewables applied for, including wind turbines, solar thermal, PV, Biomass and ground and Air source heat pumps.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

To ensure success with this scheme, there needed to be commitment from the Council and its planning department. The policy has to be communicated effectively to the potential developers to ensure they are aware of the policy and its implications. The Council must also carry out enforcement to ensure that developers continue to use renewable energy and at the correct levels.
The policy could easily be implemented in other Local Authorities, using the learning gained in Oldham.

Data on installed capacities is still being compiled on an annual basis but is proving difficult to calculate.