Development Control FAQ
Do I need planning permission for solar panels on my roof?
If you are constructing a new dwelling, these panels can be incorporated into the overall design of the house and if planning permission is granted for the house, no separate grant of planning permission will be required.
However, most panels are fitted to existing roofs. This means that they sit proud of the roof, alter the appearance of it and effectively extend the building. At present, most panels project between 8-12 cms above the roof slope and require planning permission. However, the Government has promised to review the current situation with a view to making them exempt from the need from planning permission. We will update this page when any changes are announced.
If your property is a listed building of special architectural or historic interest, you will require listed building consent for adding solar panels to the roof.
Do I need planning permission to attach a wind turbine to the roof/chimney/wall of my house?
If you are constructing a new dwelling, a turbine (either freestanding or attached to the house) can be incorporated into the overall design and if planning permission is granted for the house, no separate grant of planning permission will be required.
However, most wind turbines will need to be attached to the roof, chimney or wall of a house in such a manner that they exceed the highest part of the roof to gain the maximum exposure to wind. At present, such wind turbines will require planning permission. However, the Government has promised to review the current situation with a view to making them exempt from the need from planning permission. We will update this page when any changes are announced.
If your property is a listed building of special architectural or historic interest, you will require listed building consent for attaching a wind turbine to the building.
Do I need planning permission for photo-voltaic panels?
If you are constructing a new dwelling, these panels can be incorporated into the overall design of the house and if planning permission is granted for the house, no separate grant of planning permission will be required.
It is also possible to purchase roof coverings that closely represent the external appearance of slate but that in fact incorporate photovoltaic equipment to generate electricity. Unless your property is a listed building, the replacement of your roof with this type of covering would only require planning permission if the work required the reconstruction of the roof at a different angle to the existing.
Adding photo-voltaic panels to the roof of an existing house will require planning permission if they project between 8-12 cms above the roof slope. However, the Government has promised to review the current situation with a view to making them exempt from the need from planning permission. We will update this page when any changes are announced.
If your property is a listed building of special architectural or historic interest, you will require listed building consent for attaching photo-voltaic panels to the building.
Will I be likely to get planning permission for my solar panels/photo-voltaic cells/wind turbine?
The Council seeks to encourage domestic-scale renewable energy projects. On most properties, solar panels or photovoltaic panels will not have a harmful impact on the appearance of the area and are therefore likely to be granted (particularly where they are mounted on the rear of a property). However, in conservation areas, the Council has a statutory duty to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area. Large solar panels on a historic street frontage may therefore not be appropriate in certain circumstances, and in these situations, siting on rear facing roofslopes that are less visible may be the way forward.
It is a similar situation with domestic wind turbines, although as these are relatively new, the Council may need to seek further advice on matters such as noise impacton adjacent dwellings.
As with all proposals to alter or extend existing properties, the Council encourages prospective applicants to discuss their proposals with their neighbours before submitting a planning application, to take account of their views before finalising a proposal.
How much does it cost to apply for planning permission?
The Government sets planning application fees. The current cost of a planning application for any householder proposal (eg solar panel/wind turbine/garage/extension) is £135. This is the total cost and one application could cover all proposed works (eg wind turbine & solar panel or new extension and solar panels).
Where can I get the application forms?
The householder planning application forms can be downloaded from the Council's web site follow here (pdf, 728 KB)
Alternatively, you can make a planning application on line, including submission of the drawings and fee, via the Planning Portal. There is a direct link to the relevant page on the Council's web site follow here (External link)