New rules to make the creation of green homes easier for UK families have been given the go-ahead by government officials.

Planning minister Caroline Flint confirmed that from April 6th, all households will be able to install energy-saving devices - such as solar panels - without needing to obtain planning permission.

Although other green home improvements like replacement windows and doors can be carried out by anyone, microgeneration equipment has required official permission – often a time-consuming and costly process.

Ms Flint outlined her department's desire to "make it easier" for people to reduce their carbon footprint.

"Technology like solar panels can make a real difference, but homeowners can be put off by the time and expense of getting planning permission.

"We think it is right that people have more freedom to make these changes providing it has no impact on others," she remarked.

Under government plans, all the UK's new houses will be zero-carbon eco homes from 2016 onwards, thereby going a considerable way towards the reducing the country's energy consumption.

With Energy Efficiency windows and doors as standard, homeowners can now save even more on their heating bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Visit the Safestyle website to see a range of top quality windows and doors to suit your home.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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