Planning Permission for Renewable Energy
Understanding when you need planning permission and how to navigate the process.
Most renewable energy installations qualify as permitted development and don't require planning permission. However, certain situations - including conservation areas, listed buildings, and larger commercial installations - may require approval. This guide explains the rules and how we can help.
Good News for Most Installations
The majority of roof-mounted solar installations, EV chargers, and heat pumps do not require planning permission. We assess planning requirements as part of our free site survey and handle any necessary applications.
Solar PV Planning Rules
Commercial Roof-Mounted Solar
Solar panels on commercial buildings are usually permitted development if they meet these conditions:
- Panels don't protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface
- Panels don't project above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys)
- The building is not in a conservation area, World Heritage Site, or AONB
- The building is not listed or a scheduled monument
Residential Roof-Mounted Solar
Solar panels on houses are permitted development subject to similar conditions:
- Panels don't protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface
- Panels don't project higher than the roof
- Not on a wall facing a highway (for wall-mounted panels)
- Property is not listed or in a conservation area
Ground-Mounted Solar
Ground-mounted arrays have different rules:
- Residential: Up to 9m² permitted without planning (not in front of property)
- Commercial: Often requires planning permission
- Agricultural: May qualify under agricultural permitted development
When Planning Permission IS Required
Always Needs Permission
- Listed buildings
- Scheduled monuments
- Properties in conservation areas (may need)
- World Heritage Sites
- Large ground-mounted arrays
May Need Permission
- AONBs (Chilterns, etc.)
- National Parks
- Flat-to-pitched conversions
- Installations visible from highway
- Properties with Article 4 directions
EV Charger Planning Rules
Standard Installations (No Permission Needed)
Most EV charger installations are permitted development:
- Wall-mounted chargers on houses and commercial premises
- Chargers within the boundary of the property
- Freestanding charging posts up to 1.6m height
Commercial EV Charging
For business premises, permitted development typically covers:
- Wall-mounted chargers for staff/visitor parking
- Freestanding posts in existing car parks
- Multiple charging points
When Permission May Be Required
- Large charging hubs with canopies
- Installations in conservation areas (depending on visibility)
- Listed buildings or their curtilage
- Significant new hard standing or access changes
Heat Pump Planning Rules
Air Source Heat Pumps
ASHPs are permitted development for residential properties if:
- Only one ASHP installed
- Unit volume doesn't exceed 0.6m³
- Not installed within 1m of the property boundary
- Not installed on a wall or roof fronting a highway
- Not on a building in a conservation area, World Heritage Site, etc.
- Not on a listed building
Commercial Heat Pumps
Commercial ASHP installations may require planning permission, particularly for:
- Multiple or larger units
- Roof-mounted systems visible from public areas
- Listed buildings or conservation areas
- Noise-sensitive locations
Ground Source Heat Pumps
GSHP ground works are usually permitted development but may need permission for:
- Boreholes in sensitive areas
- Horizontal loops affecting significant land area
- Works in protected areas
Special Designations in Our Service Area
Our service area includes several designated zones requiring extra consideration:
Conservation Areas
Multiple conservation areas exist across:
- St Albans: Extensive city centre conservation area
- Harpenden: Town centre and historic areas
- Bedford: Castle Road, De Parys Avenue areas
- Aylesbury: Old Town conservation area
- Hertfordshire villages: Many rural villages designated
We can advise whether your property is in a conservation area and what restrictions apply.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Parts of our service area fall within the Chilterns AONB:
- Western parts of Hertfordshire
- Eastern Buckinghamshire
- Areas around Tring, Wendover, Princes Risborough
AONB status may require planning permission for installations visible in the landscape.
Listed Buildings
Any works to listed buildings - including renewable energy installations - require Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. This applies to:
- The listed building itself
- Buildings within the curtilage (grounds) of a listed building
- Any alterations affecting character
The Planning Application Process
If planning permission is required, the process typically follows these steps:
- Pre-application advice (optional): Informal discussion with planning department - £50-300
- Application preparation: Plans, design statements, technical specifications
- Submission: Online via Planning Portal or direct to local authority
- Validation: Council checks application is complete (1-2 weeks)
- Consultation: Neighbours and statutory consultees notified (21 days)
- Decision: Typically 8 weeks for standard applications
Application Costs
| Application Type | Fee (2024) |
|---|---|
| Householder application | £258 |
| Commercial alterations | £293 |
| Listed Building Consent | Free |
| Certificate of Lawful Development | £129 (residential) |
Certificate of Lawful Development
If you want formal confirmation that your installation doesn't need planning permission, you can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development (Proposed). This provides:
- Legal confirmation the work is permitted development
- Protection if rules change
- Documentation for property sale
- Peace of mind
While not mandatory, some businesses prefer to have this documentation, particularly for larger installations or properties in sensitive areas.
How We Help with Planning
We handle planning requirements as part of our service:
Planning Assessment
- Check permitted development rights
- Identify any designations (conservation, listed, AONB)
- Advise on permission requirements
- Design to minimise planning issues
Application Support
- Prepare technical drawings
- Write design and access statements
- Submit applications on your behalf
- Liaise with planning officers
We have extensive experience with installations in conservation areas across St Albans, Harpenden, and historic Hertfordshire villages. Our designs consider planning sensitivity from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for solar panels on my business?
Most roof-mounted commercial solar installations don't need planning permission. However, you may need permission if your building is listed, in a conservation area, or if the panels would be unusually prominent. We check this as part of our site survey.
How long does planning permission take?
Standard planning applications have an 8-week target decision time. In practice, straightforward solar or renewable energy applications often receive approval within 6-8 weeks. Listed Building Consent may take longer.
Can I install solar on a listed building?
Yes, but you'll need Listed Building Consent. The key is sensitive design - we can often position panels on less visible roof slopes or use heritage-sympathetic mounting systems. Success rates are generally good with thoughtful design.
What if my planning application is refused?
Refusals can be appealed, though this adds time. Often, we can redesign proposals to address planning concerns and resubmit. The vast majority of well-designed renewable energy applications are approved.
Do EV chargers need planning permission?
Standard EV chargers (wall-mounted or freestanding posts) are permitted development in most cases. Permission may be needed for large charging hubs with canopies or in conservation areas.
Questions About Planning?
Contact us for a free assessment of planning requirements for your project.
Get a quote → Call 07944 275171