Solar panels

This refers to both photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal panels. Both types absorb energy from the sun – solar PV panels use this to generate electricity, while solar thermal panels use it to heat water.

Advantages

Solar energy is a renewable energy source which can make a significant contribution to household energy needs. The upfront cost can be quite high – around £7000 for a typical installation – but, once installed, panels are easy to maintain and can save a typical household up to £565 a year in electricity bills, which would enable costs to be paid back within 13 years (figures from Energy Saving Trust, July 2023).

Does it need planning permission?

The Council strongly supports the use of solar panels to contribute to the achievement of its carbon reduction targets. Solar panels may be installed as permitted development on a house, flats or a structure within the curtilage of the property without the need for planning permission, including in conservation areas, provided they comply with the following requirements:

The panels cannot project more than 0.2m from the roof slope or wall surface, when measured perpendicularly.
The panels cannot protrude above the highest part of the roof (chimneys, parapets, firewalls and other protrusions do not count as part of the roof for this purpose)
If within a conservation area - the panels cannot be located on a wall fronting a highway

Planning permission will usually be required:

on a site designated as a scheduled monument
on a listed building (including any building within the listed building’s grounds)
On a property in a Conservation Area covered by an Article 4 Direction

In all cases the equipment needs to be sited as discreetly as practicable (acknowledging south - facing panels are required), avoid impacting on the character and significance of sensitive locations and on heritage assets, and they must be removed when no longer required.