Kelly aims to cut 'green' red tape

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Formal authorisation would not be needed for so-called "microgeneration" technology if there is little or no impact on neighbouring properties.

Details of the measures, which are being put out for consultation, were disclosed by Ms Kelly in a speech to the Green Alliance in London. She said that currently a seemingly routine planning application can take up to three months to be decided, and cost up to £1,000.

"The local planning system should support efforts to tackle climate change rather than acting as a barrier," Ms Kelly insisted.

"We need changes to ensure the system is proportionate - whilst retaining clear, common-sense safeguards on noise, siting and size."

However, in an apparent swipe at Tory leader David Cameron - who has been accused by Labour of adopting environmental policies for show - Ms Kelly stressed that technology should not be a "fashion accessory".

Under the proposals, councils will retain the right to restrict planning permission in "exceptional" circumstances where the benefit is questionable and outweighed by the impact on the local environment.

An example of where this could apply is "a wind turbine in a built-up area with little wind".

Mr Cameron is trying to install a turbine on the roof of his west London home.

There are already more than 100,000 microgeneration installations across the country - including wind and water source or ground source heat pumps - and that figure is expected to rise to more than 1.3 million by 2020. At present homes account for a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions.