The Government has issued guidance on the planning issues relating to renewable energy in its document: Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy (PPS22). This guides the planning authority in its assessment of the implications of solar panels, amongst other things. PPS22 paragraph 11 states that:
"In sites with nationally recognised designations (Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Heritage Coasts, Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, Registered Historic Battlefields and Registered Parks and Gardens) planning permission for renewable energy projects should only be granted where it can be demonstrated that the objectives of designation of the area will not be compromised by the development, and any significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the area has been designated are clearly outweighed by the environmental, social and economic benefits."
Babergh supports the use of solar panels, in its aim to uphold the Government’s targets to reduce CO2 production, which includes the provision of grant aid through the Environmental Health Division (see below for contact details). However, our historic environment is significant and is also sensitive to change and the location of these panels must sit harmoniously within this environment. In many cases planning permission or listed building consent will be required for the siting of solar panels.
What about the technical considerations?
There are two types of solar panel, photo-voltaic panels which provide electricity directly to the property, and solar hot water panels which heat water and can be used for central heating or hot water provision. Solar panels can be set vertically, on roof slopes, on outbuildings or in the grounds of a property. In general solar panels will change the appearance of a building or structure even where a slim-line panel is used, care should be taken when locating them.
Photo-voltaic cells require battery storage which can take up valuable living accommodation. Batteries are best located in garages or outbuildings with underground protected power cables to the supply point.
Solar hot water panels can be located away from the boiler/hot water tank and supplied via underground, insulated pipes where the panels are not located in the same building as the boiler.
Do I need Planning Permission and/or Listed Building Consent?
This is a complex issue and the whole of this document should be read before drawing conclusions on whether permission or consent is required. Further advice can be sought from Planning Control if your particular situation is not addressed here, or for clarity.
Planning permission is required for solar panels to commercial, ecclesiastical and leisure use buildings amongst others. Those properties with flats, or flats and other uses also require permission. Special rules called ‘permitted development rights’ apply to single dwelling houses and planning permission may not be required in this instance (see single dwelling houses below).
Further requirements for planning permission are placed on buildings in a conservation area and/or those covered by an Article 4(2) Direction (see below).
Buildings, which are listed, will require listed building consent irrespective of whether planning permission is required (see listed buildings below).
Single Dwelling Houses
A single dwelling house is one where a single family occupies a residential property, which has no other use to the building. (This excludes houses in multiple occupation, flats or properties with a mix of uses within it, i.e. more than one use). A single dwelling house has a series of ‘permitted development rights’, which allow a householder to undertake some small scale alterations to their property without the need to apply for planning permission.
Where a single dwelling house has not, by conditions imposed on a planning permission, had its permitted development rights removed, or where it is not covered by an Article 4(2) Direction (see below) planning permission is not required for solar panels which do not protrude more than 120mm (5") from the building. Where a panel projects more that 120mm planning permission will be required.
Conservation Areas
These areas are designated because of the character of the area and the installation of solar panels on roof slopes that face the street, footpath, river or other elevation visible from a public view point, can be intrusive. It is preferable to locate panels in less intrusive locations to minimise the visual impact on the building and on the streetscene. Providing that the panel is not overshadowed it will still provide the necessary energy required.
Planning permission is required where solar panels are installed on out-buildings within the curtilage of single dwelling houses, when the outbuilding is greater than 10m3 in volume.
Article 4(2) Directions
The making of an Article 4(2) Direction can restrict the permitted development rights of unlisted single dwelling houses.
Where an Article 4(2) Direction is in place, planning permission can be required for the installation of solar panels to any elevation or roof slope, outbuildings or walls etc. that face the street, footpath, river or other position visible from a public view point. The current Directions vary in detail on the items on which permitted development rights have been removed, it is recommended that advice be sought from planning control on the individual case.
Listed Buildings
Solar panels require listed building consent to be erected on any listed building or any pre-1948 outbuilding, wall or structure within its curtilage. Siting of solar panels on post-1948 buildings or structures within the curtilage will require planning permission if the building/structure exceeds 10m3 in volume.
Listed Building Consent will not normally be given for solar panels to be located on the principal building and advice should be sought as soon as possible regarding an alternative location for the solar panels within the curtilage of the building (this might be free-standing or attached to an outbuilding). In many cases an appropriate location can be found.
Contacts
Grants and advice regarding potential contractors
Sandra Lee-Amies Environmental Health,
Babergh District Council, Corks Lane, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 6SJ
Email: sandra.lee-amies@babergh.gov.uk
Call: 01473 825889
Planning Permission & Listed Building Consent
Planning Control Babergh District Council, Corks Lane, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 6SJ
Email: planning.reception@babergh.gov.uk
Call: 01473 825858