7 replies to this topic

[clarissa]

Hi,
We are going through the planning process and are at the stage where the local authority agricultural expert is recommending that the planners refuse the application due to lack of mains services.
To address we are connecting to mains water despite having a well and filtration system.
The cost of mains electric would be prohibitive as it is in excess of £45k.
Power is currently supplied by a large generator and use of 12v batteries.

Is there anyone who has had planning passed or who has had a successful outcome at appeal who is not on mains electric?
Many thanks

[boiow]

how about ben law. probably the most famous example.

[surreydodger]

Hi Clarissa

If the argument is that running a generator is uneconomic for the business, then produce figures to show the total cost of running the generator per year (fuel, maintenance and depreciation). Once you have those hard figures, include them into your business accounts to show that despite the cost, you are still profitable.

This will counter their argument and unless they can destroy your costs (so make sure the costs you enter are realistic and provides for the energy used now and any likely increase in the future), they have no argument.

You may wish to consider a secondary back-up generator to have on standby. This is not a must but if the planners start kicking up about reliability issues, you have it covered. Of course, a further counter argument to reliability issues is that even the mains grid goes down occasionally.

[dilangar]

Ben law maybe a famous example but it was permitted because he is a charcoal burner! Another example could be Chris and lucy the charcoal burners co uk again through they activities as charcoal burners. Have you looked at Lammas project in south Wales which would be more smallholding off grid.....

[Cornish Gems]

We read somewhere on this community forum that wind turbines are a possibility. Indeed not far from the former capital of Cornwall a new solitary wind turbine is now visible from the A30 whilst a much older one is visible in Devon from the same road.

[Buckshot]

Power is currently supplied by a large generator and use of 12v batteries

I suspect that this is the key point.

We are a First World country with a power grid ... only those Third World types use generators!

A generator also fails any sustainability test you can think off.

Mains or solar/wind will be the way to go.

[clarissa]

Hi
Many thanks everyone for your imput.
I am currently looking at solar systems.
I am looking to find some case studies where appeals where allowed if possible.
Many thanks

[Groundhog]

I dont think its a case of allowing it .If you have sufficient to power your requirements it has no bearing it is only a benefit and ticks other policies which can be used by yourself as an added benefit