Planning news - 7 December 2023 Rooftop solar to fall under permitted development The government has announced a change in planning rules that will enable rooftop solar panels to be installed on homes and businesses through permitted development rights. This means that homeowners and businesses won't need to go through the full planning process. Homes with flat roofs will be able to install panels without planning permission, bringing rules in line with those for businesses. Also, the changes will make it easier for panels to be installed in canopies above car parks if they are more than 10 metres away from people’s homes.   According to the government, this move will encourage more people to install solar panels on their properties, therefore cutting energy bills and emissions. Rules that require businesses to apply for planning permission if solar panels will generate more than one megawatt of electricity will also be scrapped, said the government. Planning minister Lee Rowley said: “We must make sure our homes are fit for the future and can help us meet our net-zero ambitions. "By cutting red tape in the planning system we can make sure homeowners and businesses can install solar panels without being held up by costly delays. Crucially, these permitted development rights are still subject to important conditions, including their use in conservation areas." Energy security minister Graham Stuart added: “Removing the 1MW restriction for industrial rooftop solar will help us meet our target of 70GW of solar power by 2035 while supporting hundreds of long-term skilled British jobs, bolstering our world-leading renewables sector and reducing bills for consumers with panels." The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2023 will come into effect on 21 December 2023.  4 December 2023 Laura Edgar, The Planner https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/weekly-planning-news/planning-news-7-december-2023?utm_source=PPQ+Newsletter&utm_campaign=edd302d9b2-Newsletter_11072019_HTML_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_734e0b63a9-edd302d9b2-7282665#rooftop-solar-to-fall-under-permitted-development

Forum Home