The announcement, coming in addition to last week’s lifting of the ban on local councils selling electricity, is widely perceived as a boost to the renewable energy microgeneration industry.

However, RenewableUK has reiterated its call for a General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) for small wind turbines, which would allow installation without the need to undergo an expensive and lengthy planning process.

Maria McCaffery, RenewableUK Chief Executive, says: “The UK already has over 14,000 installed small wind systems generating energy for local communities across the country. With the lifting of restrictions on local authorities from selling green energy, community generation can only grow. But for the industry to realise its full potential we need to remove planning barriers by introducing GPDOs.”