Gloucester City Council is keen to promote the uptake of renewable energy within the
City.
One of the more common forms of renewable energy for householders is the use of solar panels, either for heating of hot water or for generating electricity (photovoltaic cells or PV).
Both of these technologies requires the installation of collectors, often on the south facing roof of a dwellinghouse. They are generally unobtrusive, and as long as you do not live in a listed building or a conservation area then the chances are you will not need to apply for planning permission.
The Government clarified what does, and does not need planning permission in April 2008, the following is a summary; for further information you are advised to look at the actual statutory instruments on www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/uksi_20080675_en_1| .
If you need further clarification then contact the Planning Office|.
If you live outside a conservation area and not in a listed building you generally will not need planning permission for most installations on a dwellinghouse, unless:
-
The solar PV or thermal panel would protrude more than 200mm (7¾”) above the roof plane.
-
It would protrude over the ridge of the existing roof.
For conservation areas, if the proposal is on a roof slope forming the principal or side elevation of the dwellinghouse and would be visible from the highway then it is likely you will need planning permission.
For stand alone installations, for example if you wanted to install an array in your garden you should not need planning permission unless:
-
There is more than one solar installation
-
It is more than 4 metres (13ft 1½”) in height
-
If in a conservation area be visible from the highway
-
Is closer than 5 metres (16ft 5”) from your garden boundary
-
Is in the garden of a listed building
-
If the array is more than 9 square metres (97 square ft) in area, or any dimension exceeds 3 metres (9ft 10”)
Please note that any equipment installed so far as practicable should be sited so as to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area.
Last Modified: Wednesday 21 March 2012