HOUSEHOLDERS no longer require planning permission for most domestic renewable energy technologies. There are still a few exceptions with regards to the height and size of solar panels and flues for biomass boilers, but generally most measures are now pe

HOUSEHOLDERS no longer require planning permission for most domestic renewable energy technologies.

There are still a few exceptions with regards to the height and size of solar panels and flues for biomass boilers, but generally most measures are now permitted.

Huntingdonshire District Council is in the process of putting together a new leaflet explaining the new guidance, which sets out what you can do without planning permission.

INFORMATION: To get a copy of the leaflet e-mail HEET@huntsdc.gov.uk or call the environment team on 01480 388388.

SINCE 974, water power has been used at Houghton Mill to produce flour.

The National Trust continues to mill flour in the traditional way at Houghton, but for the new millennium a hydro electric turbine was installed alongside the water wheel. This allows the trust to produce enough sustainable energy for all of its needs at the mill.

Inside the mill there are details about how this power is used and how the turbine works.

INFORMATION: Houghton Mill, between St Ives and Huntingdon, is open from late March to the end of October. Call 01480 301494.

COMMUNITY groups, householders, business and public organisations should look to the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) for help with energy initiatives.

Householders are able to apply for grants towards approved renewable technologies such as wind turbines, solar thermal hot water and ground source heat pumps.

The grants available vary between the different systems, but, around a third of the costs of the new installation will be paid for - up to a maximum of �2,500.

INFORMATION: Visit http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk or phone 0800 915 0990

SOLAR hot water is the easiest, cheapest and most common form of renewable energy installed in the home.

Fitting a solar water heater typically costs �3,000-�5,000, but HDC offers a �600 grant to all households, regardless of income and there is the potential to top it up to �1,000 with funds from the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

INFORMATION: For more details contact Affordable Energy on 0800 0966356.

IN last month's Green Page readers had the chance to win one of 10 electricity monitors which allow the user to see exactly how much energy is being used in their home at any given moment.

The following Hunts Post reader won the monitors which will be making their way to you shortly:

Linda C Wake, Warboys; Andy Hall, Huntingdon; Ingrid Baines, Upwood; Mr and Mrs A Dear, Godmanchester; Mrs Wareing, Ramsey Heights; Mrs C Taylor, Upwood; Mr C Rayner, Eaton Socon; Karen Bazzant, Warboys; A McSherry, St Ives; and P R Hennell, Eaton Socon.