Carbon Census Advice Notes Planning permission for microgeneration Summary As a rule of thumb, you can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called permitted development rights. They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. In many cases fixing solar panels to the roof of a single dwelling house is likely to be considered 'permitted development' under planning law with no need to apply for planning permission. There are, however, important exceptions and provisos which must be observed as below. And the rules are different if you live in a flat or maisonette – in that case, you are advised to contact your Local Planning Authority for further guidance. All solar installations are subject to the following conditions
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 Solar Panels 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 if planning permission in itself is not required Wall mounted panels 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.
Limits for standalone (ground-mounted) Solar Panels
Should be no higher than 4m and at least 5m from boundaries Size of array is limited to 9m2 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 If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply. The ability of the existing roof to carry the load (weight) of the panel will need to be checked and proven. Some
strengthening work may be needed. Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. You will need an installer who is able to comply with these requirements.
Common exemptions
Permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings
In some 'designated areas' permitted development rights are more restricted. If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads, you will need to apply for planning permission for certain types of work which do not need an application in other areas.
Listed buildings, or installations within the boundary of a listed building will require listed building consent before commencing works, even if planning permission is not required
Any area in which the local planning authority has removed some of your permitted development rights by issuing an Article 4 direction. Such directions are most common in conservation areas, but can apply in other areas too. You might already know if such a direction applies to your address, but you can confirm this by contacting your the local planning authority.
In all such cases it is strongly advisable to seek advice from your local planning authority. You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate if you wish to establish definitively whether you need to make a planning permission application. There is usually a fee for such certificates (around £100) and you will be required to submit scale drawings, designs and other paperwork.
General Advice The Planning Portal's general advice is that you should contact your local planning authority and discuss your proposal before any work begins. They will be able to inform you of any reason why the development may not be permitted and if you need to apply for planning permission for all or part of the work.
Links for further information http://www.planningportal.gov.uk http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/solarpanels
Disclaimer – This is an introductory note and summarises a number of common issues relating to planning permission for domestic microgeneration. The text is excerpted and summarised from the guidance provided by the Planning Portal for England as of 21 March 2011, but policies may change over time and are likely to differ in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. This note is not a definitive legal document or substitute for professional planning advice – if proceeding with works, you are advised to consult directly with your local planning authority. With any building work, the owner of the property or land is responsible for compliance with all planning rules and building regulations. Advice last updated 21 March 2011.