ANNEX 3 PARTIAL EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT
What is the purpose of the proposed policy (or changes to be made to the policy)?
The extension of permitted development rights to microgeneration equipment so that more can be installed on domestic buildings without the need to apply for and be granted planning permission, and therefore in contributing to reductions in green house gas emissions. This will be achieved by amending the General Permitted Development Order ( GPDO).
Who is affected by the policy or who is intended to benefit from the proposed policy and how?
The draft amendment Order will principally affect householders and planning authorities, but also neighbours, the general public and employees of microgeneration equipment companies. The main benefit will be to householders who will not have to pay a fee to apply for planning permission However they will need to pay the costs of submitting the prior notification form (£55) along with a location plan (which if purchased from the Scottish Government's website costs up to £33.31). If further information is required professional fees for preparing drawings could be incurred (estimated at £725). The population as a whole should benefit from any mitigating of the effects of climate change which a reduction in CO 2 emissions will bring about.
How have you or will you put the policy into practice, and who is or will be delivering it?
These PD rights are required by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. The PD rights are for householders or other developers to exercise. Scottish Ministers and Planning Authorities will have advisory roles. Architects and planning consultants may also have a role, but as a forthcoming and final Order will be accompanied by written guidance it is expected that householders will be able to understand its provisions.
How does the policy fit into our wider or related policy initiatives?
The draft Order fits into the Government's obligations under climate change legislation. It also supports the Government's greener and wealthier and fairer strategic objectives.
Greener Scotland - increasing the amount of energy from renewable and low carbon sources is important for securing long term supplies, reducing CO 2 emissions and delivering growth which is sustainable.
What we already know about the diverse needs and/or experiences of your target audience
AGE
Evidence: We are not aware of any evidence that age is a factor in seeking planning permission for the installation of microgeneration equipment under the current provisions or that therefore it will be a relevant factor in any increase in installations under the provisions proposed in the amendment Order. Regarding the likelihood of people objecting to planning applications, research contained in Planning and Community Involvement indicated that generally the people likely to volunteer their views on a planning application come from a narrow age profile dominated by the middle aged and the elderly. The proposals are designed to avoid or minimise the adverse effects which might lead to objections.
Planning and Community Involvement in Scotland. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/07/19666/40347
RACE
Evidence: We are not aware of any evidence that race is a factor in seeking planning permission for the installation of microgeneration equipment under the current provisions or that therefore it will be a relevant factor in any increase in installations under the provisions proposed in the draft order.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/07/19666/40347- Research highlighting the age, gender and race demographic of those involved in the planning system.
GENDER
Evidence: We are not aware of any evidence that gender is a factor in seeking planning permission for the installation of microgeneration equipment under the current provisions or that therefore it will be a relevant factor in any increase in installations under the provisions proposed in the draft order.
Research contained in Planning and Community Involvement showed that women were slightly more likely than men to become involved in the planning process, but significantly more likely to oppose a planning application, though this was did not specifically concern micro renewables.
Results from the Scottish Household Survey set out in Getting Involved in Planning: Summary of Evidence showed that broadly men and women were equally interested in the planning of their area, and equally considered it was important that people should be involved in the planning of their area.
DISABILITY
Evidence: We are not aware of any evidence that disability is a factor in seeking planning permission for the installation of microgeneration equipment under the current provisions or that therefore it will be a relevant factor in any increase in installations under the provisions proposed in the draft order.
RELIGION & BELIEF
Evidence: We are not aware of any evidence that religion or belief is a factor in seeking planning permission for the installation of microgeneration equipment under the current provisions or that therefore it will be a relevant factor in any increase in installations under the provisions proposed in the draft order.
LGBT
Evidence: We are not aware of any evidence that LGBT issues are factors in seeking planning permission for the installation of microgeneration equipment under the current provisions or that therefore it will be a relevant factor in any increase in installations under the provisions proposed in the draft order.
Do we need more information to help us understand the diverse needs and/ or experience of our target audience?
We recognise that there is scope to increase our knowledge as to whether and if so how the granting of PD rights to MWT and ASHP microgeneration equipment will affect particular sections of society. The question of the benefits of ASHP in addressing fuel poverty may be an issue if the "one ASHP per dwelling" rule limits the extent to which others in adjacent dwellings may benefit from the installation of the technology but are excluded from doing so by the cumulative effects of noise.