Renewable Energy and Planning Permission
The following technologies CAN be exempt from the need to apply for planning permission:
- Solar PV
- Solar Thermal
All other technologies will require planning permission. However, even with these technologies, it is not always the case that you can proceed without planning permission, and thus you should always check with your Local Planning Authority. Not all installers will apply for planning permission on your behalf, so you really should make yourself aware of this.
Planning Permission for Solar PV
The Government specifically set the planning permission law for Solar Panels to be lenient, so as to encourage the up-take of the technology and to stop the industry being thwarted un-necessarily. Therefore, the majority of installers will tell you that you do not need planning permission at all. However, there are exceptions, and here we try and run you through those and give you all the information you need to ensure you are compliant with planning laws.
In most cases, putting solar panels on a house roof is considered under “permitted development rights”. These are rights that are not granted by local authorities, but by Parliament. They only apply to houses, and not flats; maisonettes or other buildings (including outside buildings which you may consider as part of the overall property). They also do not apply to listed buildings, which are excluded, as are new builds and completed extensions. Also, the Local Authority does have the power to remove permitted development rights in certain areas, and this is usually done in conservation areas. Landlords of multiple occupancy houses are also not eligible to use permitted development rights for solar PV and must check with their Local Authority before proceeding.
If you are ever unsure about whether you can go ahead without applying for planning permission you can ask your local planning authority for advice. They will give informal advice for free, whilst those wanting an official statement will be required to apply for a “Certificate of Lawful Development”. This is easier than applying for Planning Permission and subsequently is half the cost.
For solar installations that can go ahead without permission, there are still a number of conditions that must be met. We have taken these from the “planning portal” (www.planningportal.gov.uk):
- Panels on a building should be sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise the effect on the appearance of the building.
- They should be sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise the effect on the amenity of the area.
- When no longer needed for microgeneration they should be removed as soon as possible.
Roof and Wall Mounted Systems
The following limits apply to roof and wall mounted solar panels:
- Panels should not be installed above the ridgeline and should project no more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface.
- If your property is a listed building installation is likely to require an application for listed building consent, even where planning permission is not needed.
Wall mounted only
If your property is in a conservation area, or in a World Heritage Site, planning consent is required when panels are to be fitted on the principal or side elevation walls and they are visible from the highway. If panels are to be fitted to a building in your garden or grounds they should not be visible from the highway.
Standalone/Ground-Mounted Systems
The following limits apply to standalone solar panels:
- Should be no higher than four metres
- Should be at least 5m from boundaries
- Size of array is limited to 9 sq m or 3m wide and 3m deep
- Should not be installed within boundary of a listed building
- In the case of land in a conservation area or in a World Heritage Site it should not be visible from the highway.
- Only one stand alone solar installation is permitted.
Building Regulations
Building regulations will still apply, even under permitted development rights, although this will be the responsibility of the installer.
Please note that Cernunnos Homes offers as part of their service to apply for planning permission or Certificates of Lawful Development for your project. You do not have to do a thing – let us look after your project from A – Z.
