DOMESTIC solar panels will no longer need planning permission in Scotland.

DOMESTIC solar panels will no longer need planning permission in Scotland.

The exemption will also apply to some other forms of home-grown electricity generation.

Ground-source and water-source heat pumps will also get the green light, as will flues for biomass systems, which use organic materials.

But ministers have yet to decide whether to exempt wind turbines and air-source heat pumps.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said the concession would cut red tape, help householders cut heating bills and reduce emissions.

"By encouraging greater use of microgeneration technologies we are letting householders play their part in reducing emissions while creating jobs in an emerging industry," said Mr Swinney.

"While we cannot have renewable energy equipment anywhere or at any cost, these proposals strike the right balance between allowing small-scale renewables and safeguarding the quality of our environment.

"It will also contribute to our efforts to ensure Scotland's planning system is an aid rather than a barrier to increasing sustainable economic growth."

Most people currently need council consent to install home-sized "microgeneration" equipment but these will now fall within "permitted development rights".

However, it not be a blanket exemption.

Solar panels will be allowed if they are on a pitched roof or on a wall and do not protrude more than 200mm.

Permission will still be needed for panels on the walls of buildings containing flats, and extra safeguards would apply in conservation areas or heritage sites.