Communities’ secretary Hazel Blears has asked environmental and planning consultancy Entec to draw up new planning rules that will make it easier for businesses to install green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.

The research will specifically look at removing barriers to installing small-scale renewable and low carbon technology equipment that can currently lead to increased costs and lengthy delays.

At present, businesses must go through the planning system when they, for example, want to install a solar panel or a small wind turbine. A planning application can cost about £1,500 and take up to 8-16 weeks to be considered by councils, with no guarantee it will be approved.

Entec’s job will be to investigate how renewable energy equipment can be included as ‘permitted developments’, meaning changes can be made without the need for specific planning permission if it does not impact on others or the local environment.

Blears said: “ This Government is committed to bringing forward changes that will allow us to tackle the growing challenge we face in climate change. This research will be crucial to working out how we can support the business world to do its bit, as we move to a zero-carbon culture.

“Whether it is your local supermarket, pub or the place where you work, green technology could soon be playing a big role in powering the building, whilst cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills too.”