Harrow Council is never knowingly undersolared

A MAN in charge of planning at Harrow Council has sought to explain the public body's attitude to solar panels.

That follows the INQ's so far unsuccessful attempt to power the brains of its computers through sunlight, rather than using fossilised fuels.

See Council clueless about solar power.

A PR representative from the council sent us the following letter:

I am writing in response to Councillor Idaikkadar's letter published on the 16th November 2006 [in the Harrow Times, Ed.], in which he expressed concerns in respect to the advice provided by Harrow Council on the use of solar panels and wind turbines.

In respect to the amount of information provided on how to obtain grants for these types of installations, a dedicated free phone energy advice line (tel 0800 838 650) is available, which provides up to date information on energy efficiency and renewable energy. We also launched the Heating Harrow Greener Scheme in September 2006. This scheme was available to all owner-occupiers and offered substantial subsidised rates for installing residential solar panels and wind turbines.

The council's planning department has been working on the production of a guidance document in respect to the planning and building control permissions required. This is available on the planning pages of the council's web site, or by contacting 0208 736 6068/6069.

Planning fees are set nationally by the government and therefore all local planning authorities charge the same amount.

I trust the above clarifies the council's position and demonstrates its firm commitment to tackling energy conservation and protecting our environment.

Graham Jones
Director of Strategic Planning
Harrow Council