To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) with reference to the written ministerial statement of 13 March 2008, Official Report, columns 20-21WS, on town and country planning, what progress the Government have made in implementing permitted development rights for air source heat pumps and micro-wind turbines; (244255)

The Prime Minister has received two recent letters from members of the public on the noise thresholds under permitted development for householder air-source heat pumps and micro-wind turbines. The Government are committed to permitting the installation of small wind turbines and air source heat pumps without the need for a planning application. However it is important we set the right criteria for noise levels for wind turbines and pumps on homes under permitted development and resolve the issue of possible interference with aviation communication systems. The Minister for Housing and Planning will make a statement to Parliament in the new year.