As more homeowners look to cut energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, solar panels have become an increasingly popular choice. However, before installing them, many people ask the same question: “Do you need planning permission for solar panels?”
In most cases, the answer is no, but there are important exceptions and conditions to be aware of. So when is planning permission required? And when do installations fall under permitted development?
Understanding permitted development rights
In the UK, many types of home improvements are covered by permitted development rights. This means you don’t need to make a formal planning application, provided your project meets specific conditions set out in national planning legislation.
Solar panel installations often fall within these rights, allowing you to go ahead without planning permission. However, permitted development does not apply universally. There are detailed restrictions to ensure installations are safe, appropriate, and visually acceptable in different settings.
It’s also worth noting that planning permission is separate from building regulations approval. Even if your solar panels are permitted under planning law, you must still ensure the work complies with building regulations covering electrical safety, structural stability, and fire protection.
What are the circumstances for which planning permission isn’t required for solar panels?
For most homes, solar panels can be installed without planning permission under permitted development rights. The following conditions typically apply:
Roof-mounted installations
- If your panels are mounted on the roof of a house, bungalow, or block of flats, planning permission is not normally required if:
- The panels do not protrude more than 200 millimetres from the surface of the roof or wall.
- They are not installed higher than the highest part of the roof, excluding chimneys.
- They are positioned to minimise their visual impact on the building and surrounding area.
Recent updates to planning regulations have made it easier to install panels on flat roofs, allowing them to extend slightly above the roof height, provided they are installed sensitively and within specific height limits.
Ground-mounted installations
Smaller ground-mounted or standalone solar arrays can also be installed without planning permission, subject to restrictions such as:
- The total height not exceeding four metres.
- The installation area staying within size limits (typically around nine square metres).
- The array being at least five metres from any property boundary.
- If your installation meets all of these conditions, you are unlikely to need planning permission.
When is planning permission required for solar panels?
While most domestic solar panel projects qualify as permitted development, there are several situations where planning permission or additional consent will be needed.
- Listed buildings and heritage sites: If your property is listed or located near a listed building, you will almost certainly need listed building consent, and possibly full planning permission. This applies whether the panels are installed on the building itself or within its grounds, as they could affect the property’s appearance or historic character.
- Conservation areas and protected landscapes: Properties in conservation areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now known as National Landscapes), or World Heritage Sites are subject to stricter planning controls. Even though permitted development may still apply, there are additional limitations. For example: Panels should not be installed on walls or roofs that face a public highway if they would be visible. Some local councils may have issued Article 4 Directions, removing permitted development rights altogether in certain areas. If your home falls into one of these categories, it’s best to check with your local planning authority before proceeding.
- Larger or complex installations: Planning permission may also be needed if your solar installation exceeds the permitted size or height limits, or if it significantly alters the building’s external appearance. Larger ground-mounted systems, or installations that are clearly visible from nearby public spaces, often require a formal application.
- Flats and shared buildings: Solar panels on blocks of flats or shared buildings can be more complicated. Even when planning permission isn’t required, you’ll usually need consent from the freeholder or managing agent. Shared roof space can also raise issues about access, ownership, and maintenance responsibilities.
What to do if you need permission for solar panels?
If your proposed installation doesn’t qualify as permitted development, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Here are the key steps:
- Seek pre-application advice: Most councils offer pre-application advice services. This allows you to discuss your proposal with a planning officer and identify any potential issues before submitting a formal application.
- Submit an application: You’ll need to provide detailed drawings, photographs, and a written description of the proposal. If your property is listed or in a conservation area, additional heritage information or design assessments may be required.
- Consult relevant experts: For sensitive or historic buildings, it’s advisable to consult a conservation officer, architect, or heritage specialist to help you design an appropriate scheme and increase the likelihood of approval.
- Engage with neighbours: Although neighbours can’t formally object to a permitted development project, they may be consulted during a planning application. Communicating early can help prevent misunderstandings and potential objections.
- Appeals and next steps: If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate. This process can take several months, so it’s usually best to try resolving issues with the council before reaching that stage.
So, do you need planning permission for solar panels?
In most cases, you do not need planning permission for solar panels on your home, provided they meet permitted development conditions.
You will still need to comply with building regulations to ensure structural and electrical safety.
Planning permission or listed building consent is required for listed buildings, properties in conservation areas with additional restrictions, or installations outside the permitted limits.
Always check with your local planning authority before starting work, particularly if your property is older, in a protected area, or has unique design features.
If you do need permission, make use of pre-application advice and seek professional support to make the process smoother.
For more information or advice, why not contact the experts today, here at the Eco Renewables Group? We work across the North West, from Southport to Kendal, to deliver high quality solar power solutions.
