Most domestic solar PV, air source heat pumps and EV chargers in England can be installed under permitted development, but each has conditions, and listed buildings, conservation areas and flats are treated differently. Separate from planning, the electrical work, grid connection and Building Regulations may still apply.
Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and have changed recently, so always check the current position with your council before you commit.
Four separate things to check
- Planning permission: whether the project needs approval, or is permitted development.
- Building Regulations: structural, electrical, fire, ventilation and energy rules, with sign-off by a competent person or building control.
- Grid approval: telling or asking your network operator before you connect generation or large new loads.
- Certification: MCS and consumer protection, which unlock grants and export payments.
At a glance by technology (England)
| Technology | Planning | Other approvals |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV | Usually permitted development, with conditions. Rules amended from 27 August 2026 | G98 or G99, electrical safety certificate, roof loading check |
| Air source heat pump | Usually permitted development, with noise and other conditions. Rules changed 29 May 2025 | MCS for the grant, electrical work, ventilation and heating commissioning |
| Battery | Usually no separate planning if installed inside or alongside existing property | G98 or G99, fire and siting safety |
| EV charger | Often permitted development, with conditions on size and position | Electrical certificate, supply capacity, Part S for new builds |
| Wind turbine | Usually needs planning permission | G99, MCS for export payments, possible environmental checks |
| Solar thermal and biomass | Solar thermal often permitted development. Biomass flues and stores have conditions | Smoke control rules, flue and combustion air requirements |
This table is a guide only. Always confirm the current rules for your property and location.
Planning permission and permitted development
Permitted development lets you carry out some work without a full planning application. It does not apply to every property. It is limited or withdrawn for listed buildings, may be restricted in conservation areas, National Parks and similar designated land, and may have been removed by an Article 4 direction in your area. Flats and maisonettes generally need separate treatment because the roof and external walls are not yours alone.
Use our permitted development checker and read how to get planning permission if you need an application. A lawful development certificate can give written confirmation that your project is permitted.
Building Regulations
Renewables work often touches several parts of the Building Regulations, including structure (roof loading), electrical safety (Part P), fire safety, ventilation, and the energy performance of the dwelling. Installers registered with a competent person scheme can self-certify much of this and issue a certificate. If they are not registered, you may need to involve building control, which adds time and cost. For new builds, requirements such as the one for EV charge points apply as part of the wider design. Our building regulations checker helps you see what applies.
Electrical safety and grid connection
- Generation and batteries: small systems up to 16A per phase are normally notified under G98 within 28 days of commissioning. Larger systems need approval under G99 before installation. See G98/G99.
- Large new loads: heat pumps and EV chargers add demand. Your installer should check your supply capacity and tell the network operator where required.
- Electrical certificate: notifiable electrical work must be certified. Keep the certificate, because buyers' solicitors ask for it.
Certification, grants and export payments
MCS certification is not a legal requirement, but you generally need it for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Smart Export Guarantee. See the MCS certification guide and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme page.
The other UK nations
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own planning and building standards systems, grant schemes and sometimes different thresholds. Do not assume that an English rule applies. Check with the relevant local authority and national planning guidance.
Practical checklist
- Check whether your property is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
- Run the permitted development checker, then confirm with your council if there is any doubt.
- Ask your installer which competent person scheme they use and who handles grid notification.
- Agree who will provide the planning evidence, certificates and MCS paperwork before work starts.
- Keep every certificate in one folder for the sale of the property.
Sources and further reading
- Planning Portal: changes to permitted development for domestic solar The August 2026 rule changes in England
- Planning Portal: heat pumps Planning guidance for heat pumps
- Planning Portal Official planning guidance for England
- MCS: the quality mark for small-scale renewables Certification and the installer directory
External links open in a new tab. Last checked October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for solar panels or a heat pump?
Often not in England, because both can be permitted development, but conditions apply and rules differ for listed buildings, conservation areas, flats and the other UK nations. Check before you commit.
Do renewables need Building Regulations approval?
Often parts of the work do, such as electrical safety, structure and ventilation. A competent person scheme installer can usually self-certify, otherwise you may need building control.
Do I need to tell my electricity network operator?
Yes for generation and batteries. Small systems are notified under G98 within 28 days of commissioning, and larger ones need approval under G99 first.
What is permitted development?
It is a national grant of planning permission for certain works, subject to conditions. It is limited for listed buildings and may be restricted in conservation areas or by an Article 4 direction.
Are the rules the same across the UK?
No. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own planning and building standards, so check the rules that apply where the property is.