Planning permission guide
A general guide to planning considerations for renewable energy installations in England.
Permitted Development
Most small-scale renewable technologies are considered ‘permitted development’, meaning they don’t require formal planning permission if they meet specific rules.
Heat Pumps
- Must be at least 1 metre from the property boundary.
- The external unit volume must not exceed 0.6 cubic metres.
Solar Panels
- On a roof: should not project more than 200mm from the roof slope.
- Ground-mounted: must not be higher than 4 metres and at least 5 metres from boundaries.
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, different rules apply. You should always contact your local planning authority before starting work.