Renewable energy developments
The following list of renewable energy developments are generally automatically granted planning permission by the General Permitted Development Order 2015 (as amended), otherwise known as ‘permitted development’. However, importantly, each development must comply with any condition or limitation within the relevant part of Schedule 2, Part 14 of the GPDO 2015.
- Solar panels
- Stand-alone solar equipment
- Installation of ground source heat pumps
- Installation of flue for biomass heating system
- Installation of flue for combined heat and power
- Installation of air source heat pumps
- Installation of wind turbine on domestic premises
If your house is a listed building you will require planning permission and in some instances listed building consent.
Installation of solar panels:
The most popular renewable energy developments are solar panels. Before erecting solar panels to your property it is important that you ensure you meet all the conditions within Class A of Part 14 of the GPDO which can be found below at:
Class A allows for installation subject to certain criteria, relating to how far the equipment would protrude beyond the wall or roof and whether it would be higher than the main roof. In conservation areas, the equipment cannot be installed on a wall which fronts a highway.
In addition, it is necessary to meet the requirements of a number of conditions including whether the equipment is, so far as practicable, sited so as to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building and on the amenity of the area. This is a judgement that would be made by planning officers and it could have implications for properties within Conservation Areas where solar panels are proposed to the front roofslope. If you have concerns in respect of this condition, it is advisable to submit a lawful development certificate or a pre-application. Further guidance on the different type of roof integrated solar panels and useful heritage advice can be found at:
Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings: Solar Electric (Photovoltaics) (historicengland.org.uk)
If you are in any doubt regarding whether your development triggers a requirement for planning permission please contact the Planning department via the free Householder Duty Planner Service.
The full permitted development rules can be found at:
More useful guidance can be found here: