Jamie Younger 'ROCS announcement better than anticipated'

 Responding to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announcement on Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) for small-scale electricity technologies (except solar PV), Jamie Younger, speaking on behalf of the Renewables Group of UK top 20 Chartered Accountant Saffery Champness, said that this now creates a sounder platform for investment.  He said: “It is comforting to see that the final rates due to come in from December this year are broadly as proposed in the consultation.  Those who have been planning projects based on the rates thought likely to come in this October (but delayed to December) using the proposed rates do not have to return to the drawing board.” The new rates for Solar PV come into effect on 1 August.

 Planning for conversions could be simplified

 The Minister of State for Decentralisation and Cities, Greg Clark, announced earlier this week additional measures to support the delivery of sustainable development by making the planning system simpler and more effective. These proposals would create permitted development rights to assist change of use from existing buildings used for agricultural purposes to uses supporting rural growth, thereby allowing landowners to find new uses for disused barns and agricultural buildings on their farms and estates. Savills says that the proposals will force planners to speed up their decisions making the planning process, simpler, clearer and more accessible.