Eco Environments has been at loggerheads with Eden District Council over what rules apply when installing solar panels.

The council was demanding, against the current Government’s view, every householder installing solar panels apply for building regulations.

However, the Cumbrian authority has now relented and will no longer demand solar installers apply for building regulations.

From now on as long as the installer is a member of the Government’s Competent Person Scheme they will be allowed to carry out the work.

Eco Environments director, David Hunt, said: “We are delighted Eden District Council has written to us confirming it will no longer demand our customers apply for building regulations.

“The Government’s revised documents make it crystal clear that customers using companies such as our own, which are members of the Competent Person Scheme and MCS approved, can allow us to self-certify all aspects of installation including roof structure.

Eco Environments said that a revised document published by the Communities and Local Government Department made it clear that councils were wrong to insist on such regulations.

Eden District Council’s leader, Gordon Nicolson, said: “The revised government guidance for solar panel installation has clarified issues, about the need for clear public information on which installers are competent to fit solar panels to buildings.

“The new government guidance gives the public confidence if they use a solar panel installer who is part of a recognised Competent Person Scheme, the tradesman can self-certify all aspects of the installation including the roofing structure.

“Householders should make sure that the roofing structure check is made to avoid problems in the future.

Mr Nicolson added the council had ‘no planning issues’ with the fitting of solar panels now, unless it involved a conservation area.

Luke Walsh

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