Renewable energy - what permission do I need?

Solar panels installed on a roof slope

This page is intended to help householders who are considering installing renewable energy equipment understand whether they need to apply for planning permission.

There are increasing opportunities for householders to make use of renewable energy sources and we encourage the development and use of sustainable technology. We are, however, required to operate within the legal framework and cannot set aside the need to apply for planning permission or building regulations consent.
Whether or not you need planning permission, you may also need to apply for building control consent. To find out how the building regulations affect your proposal please telephone us on the number given below before commencing work.
Where work is incorporated within proposals to extend a dwelling, the need for planning permission will be dealt with as part of that process. Where work applies solely to the installation of renewable energy, the following guidelines apply.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal equipment 

Providing solar panels do not project more than 200mm from the roof slope or above the ridgeline, planning permission is not usually required to install them on a house, flat or a garden building within the same curtilage (i.e. a garage, shed).

Planning permission is required for solar panels:

• on a flat roof
• on a garden building on the same plot as a listed building
• where the property is in a conservation area and they are to be installed on a house wall or garden building facing a highway
• if the planning permission from when your property was built includes a restrictive condition that removes ‘permitted development rights’ - to check whether this applies to your property you should check your deeds or follow the link below to find a copy of our decision notice. You can also enquire by email using the link below.

You will need listed building consent to install panels on part of a Listed Building.

Solar panels must be sited, so far as is practicable to minimise the effect on the appearance of the building and amenity of the area. They should be removed as soon as possible when no longer needed.

Solar panels also need to meet certain Building Regulations, so either need to be installed by a company who are approved ‘competent persons’ or a Building Regs application is required. Our Building Control department can advise you.

Wind turbines  

You do not need permission to install a ground or water source heat pump, but may need permission if you need to construct a building or extension to accommodate it. You may need consent if your house is a listed building.

Biomass or combined heat and power system 

You do not need permission to install a biomass or combined heat and power system, but may need permission if you need to construct a building or extension to accommodate it. You may need consent if your house is listed.
You do not need permission to install, alter or replace a flue serving this type of heating system providing it is no more than 1m higher than the highest part of the roof.
If you live in a conservation area you will need permission if the flue is on a wall or roof slope visible from a highway
If your house is listed you will need to apply for listed building consent.

Small hydro-electric system 

The need for permission depends on the particular nature of the proposal.

You may need permission if you need to construct a building or extend your home to accommodate it. You may also need listed building consent if your building is listed.

What if I need permission? 

Follow the link below to download application forms and notes or you can collect them from our customer service centre. We encourage you to contact us for informal advice, especially if you live in a conservation area.

You will need planning permission if your house is within a conservation area.
If your house is listed you will need to apply for listed building consent.
Otherwise, for turbines fixed to a house you not need permission if the turbine will
be no higher than the highest part of the roof nor exceed 4m in height if located within 2m of the boundary.

Free standing turbines do not require planning permission providing they are less than 3m high overall (including any mounting or pole) and are not located between the house and the highway.

Ground source heat pumps/water source heat pumps

Date Updated: 07/12/11