Home renewable energy: planning guidance

Do I need Planning Permission?

Installing solar panels, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint or a heat pump is usually possible without the need for full planning permission, provided they fall under Permitted Development.

Our Permitted Development webpage links to national Planning Portal guidance on common domestic property alterations that can be made under permitted development and the important conditions and limits that must be adhered to.

For solar panels particularly, the key issue is minimising the visual impact of the installation on the external appearance of the building and on the amenity of the area.

I live in a conservation area

If you live in a Conservation Area, check if Article 4 Directions (A4D) apply. A4Ds have been served on most Conservation Areas in Reigate & Banstead Borough which control external changes to houses and remove Permitted Development rights in specific areas. They are primarily used to prevent uncontrolled building changes to protect the characteristics of an area. In this case they have been applied to preserve local conservation areas.

This means planning permission is needed for external changes to buildings in the Borough’s Conservation Areas, including domestic renewables. There are also additional criteria to adhere to for example, solar panels must not front a highway.

I live in a Listed Building

If you live in a Listed Building, Listed Building Consent and planning permission will often be required for the installation of domestic renewables.

Follow these steps to understand what you need to do:

1. Confirm Your A4D Restrictions

A4Ds can be found on our website under the 'Where I live' section on the home page. Search for your address; click on the 'My Maps' tab; and then turn on the Article 4 direction filter in the Planning drop-down menu.

2. Consider pre-application advice

Before you make enquiries with installers, you can speak to a Duty Planner for advice - details of their availability are on this page.

The Council’s pre-application advice service is also available to householders looking to make alterations to their homes. Charges apply.

3. Look for a trusted and certified installer

Find a reliable solar or heat pump installer accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Find An Installer - MCS

MCS is the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy. It guarantees both the products and the competency of the installation company.

Solar panels

For solar, work with your installer to minimise the visual impact of the installation by considering the following design criteria: 

  • Panels should be on rear elevations, or side elevations as a second option, with front elevations only being used where these are not practicable.
  • Panels should be arranged in neat rectangular blocks and avoid stepped, strung out or irregular layouts, particularly when visible from the road.
  • Black panels should be used with silvered elements minimised. Frames should be black, not silver.

EV chargepoints

EV chargepoints must be installed by a qualified electrician and must comply with electrical and safety standards as well as smart charging regulations. Many home energy suppliers offer EV chargepoint installation.

Heat pumps

Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you could get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump.  Find out more about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and check availability here (Gov.UK)

4. Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate

To obtain a formal decision from the Council to confirm that your proposal does not require planning permission, you are advised to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. Decisions are normally issued in eight weeks and fees apply. 

Check the Lawful Development Certificate  page.

Check the Guide to Fees for Planning Applications in England

5. Apply for Planning Permission if needed

Check the Applying for Planning Permission: Step by Step Guide page.

Listed Building Consent is required for the installation of domestic renewables on statutory listed buildings.

Work with your installer to prepare the necessary documentation.