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Unlike most other forms of renewable microgenerators, wind turbines still need planning permission. This will need to be sought from your local planning authority. These are listed on the Government's Planning Portal. Contact them as soon as you can to find out their stance on domestic wind turbines. They may not seem very keen but, according to the Planning Policy Statement 22, they are supposed to be encouraging the use of renewable energy. You will probably be asked to show them plans and drawings of the turbine with dimensions. They might then tell you that you don't need planning permission (though there will still be building regulations to comply with). Initial considerations To maximise your chances of being granted planning permission, try thinking from the planner's point of you. Consider the following: At least one LPA suggests that your turbine should not be in the front garden, invisible from the highway and at least 2m from any boundary with a neighbour. They also suggest that a roof-mounted version not protrude over the apex of the roof - this would likely render the turbine sheltered and virtually useless! Building regulations Not only the planners need to get kept happy. Building regulations must also be adherred to if the turbine is to be attached to your house. These ensure that the structure is safe and will not damage the building. The important factors are size, weight and vibrations, plus the safety of the electrical connections. For a free-standing turbine, it will only be the electrics that are of concern. In both cases, a professional electrician will probably need to be used.
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