The REA believes that renewable energy targets in local plans play a vital role in preparing for the delivery of Zero Carbon homes in 2016. Without such targets it will make the overall costs of bringing zero carbon homes to the market less viable. As such, though there will be additional costs incurred through onsite targets, these should be viewed against their role in enabling the government to achieve its ambitious, but achievable targets.

�The minister's statement on the need to maximise the contribution from on-site renewables is particularly welcome, and we look forward to seeing this further clarified in next year's guidance notes. We look forward to working with DCLG to ensure that the vision for onsite renewables becomes a reality on the ground.�

REA are organising a seminar for local and regional planning authorities in the New Year on implementing on site renewable targets in their local and regional planning documents