Planning permission is not normally needed when installing a micro-combined heat and power or biomass system in a house if the work is all internal.

If the installation requires a flue outside, however, it will normally be permitted development if the relevant conditions are met.

You must adhere to the building regulations set out in Approved Document L: Volume 1.

It is advisable to contact an installer who can provide the necessary advice, preferably one who belongs to either the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or the relevant  Competent Person Schemes.

Micro-combined heat and power systems for individual homes are a relatively recent development but units resembling gas-fired boilers can now provide not only heat for space and water heating but also electricity to power domestic lights and appliances.

Producing energy from biomass is a carbon-neutral process and has both environmental and economic advantages.