Planning permission for renewable energy technologies

Permitted development rights

In England, changes to permitted development rights for renewable technologies introduced on 6th April 2008 have lifted the requirements for planning permission for most domestic microgeneration technologies.

The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) grants rights to carry out certain limited forms of development on the home, without the need to apply for planning permission. The scope of the GPDO in England now extends to the following technologies:

Solar PV and solar thermal (roof mounted):

Permitted unless;

• panels when installed protrude more then 200mm.
• they would be placed on the principal elevation facing onto and visible from a highway in buildings in Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites.

Solar PV and solar thermal (stand alone):

Permitted unless:

• more than 4 metres in height
• installed less than 5 metres away from any boundary
• above a maximum area of array of 9m2
• situated within any part of the curtilage of the dwelling house and would be visible from a highway in Conservations Areas and World Heritage Sites.

Biomass boilers and stoves, and CHP:

Permitted unless:

• flue exceeds 1m above the roof height
• installed on the principal elevation and visible from a road in buildings in Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites.

Ground source heat pumps:

Permitted

Water source heat pumps:

Permitted

Micro wind

Due to legal technicalities the current statutory instrument (SI) does not cover micro wind. Once these issues have been resolved, it is expected that roof mounted and free standing micro wind turbines will be permitted at detached properties that are not in conservation areas. Further legislation is expected later this year.

Until then, you must consult with your local authority regarding planning permission.

Air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps are in a similar situation to micro wind. Once the legal technicalities have been resolved, it is expected that air source heat pumps will be permitted developments. Again, further legislation is expected later this year.

Until then, you must consult with your local authority regarding planning permission.

(Note that the permitted development rights are not extended to Listed Buildings which are covered by other planning regulations.)

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Permitted Development and planning policy in general is a devolved responsibility. The Welsh Assembly Government, Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Government are currently all considering changes to their legislation on permitted developments, to facilitate installations of microgeneration technologies. Legislation is expected in all three countries later this year.

Until then, householders in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland must consult with their local authority regarding planning permission.

The UK's Planning Portal's interactive house provides an overview of planning permission and building regulations for householders

The UK Planning Portal's Greener Homes section which is supported by the Energy Saving Trust can also assist as an informal guide to planning. Visit the Greener Homes section.

However, for specific questions regarding planning in your local area you must ask your local Planning Authority. Click here to find your local planning authority.

Click here for more information on the statutory instrument for General Permitted Development