--- title: Do Solar Carports Need Planning Permission? description: Discover the latest changes in planning laws for solar carports and how you can take advantage of simplified regulations to go solar without the hassle. image: https://solspan.uk/hubfs/Image%2016.webp --- [![SolSpan logo](https://solspan.uk/hubfs/SolSpan%20logo.svg)](https://solspan.uk/) - [Our Products](https://solspan.uk/solspan-solar-carports-car-parks-commercial) - [Steel Solar Carports](https://solspan.uk/steel-solar-carports) - [Timber Solar Carports](https://solspan.uk/timber-solar-carports) - [Aluminium Solar Carports](https://solspan.uk/aluminium-solar-carports-solspan) - [Our Services](https://solspan.uk/solar-carport-consultancy) - [Solar Savings Index](https://solspan.uk/solar-savings-index) - [About Us](https://solspan.uk/about-us-solspan) - [Projects](https://solspan.uk/featured-projects) - [Gallery](https://solspan.uk/image-gallery-solspan-solar-carports-car-parks) - Resources - [Blog](https://solspan.uk/blog) - [FAQs](https://solspan.uk/faq) [Contact us](https://cta-eu1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKd9dx1nE%2FU60iYX8T4msbGgjWSEwHsjKuEJX5gLBzWTJxm6KuU%2Bzh%2BtNr9FiknGlgUFzcQvPTarP3TO5%2B5L9yXX4%2FSESOjClGbsx05SEIiH%2B46OPMySrjLIwQ%2BJcx%2BRDn84CgH79ytfwBQ9Nwj6NKdgHGTrthIMfhrG86tEuFL34Of4REfJ15ZUnKZ2gHLsj8KcMPhS7p3kvMpkBgZN9FNqWagE0b8&portalId=144642568) ![Kensington Systems logo](https://solspan.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Image%2016.webp?width=800&height=500&name=Image%2016.webp) - [Blog](https://solspan.uk/blog/tag/blog) - [Commercial](https://solspan.uk/blog/tag/commercial) - [Solar Carports](https://solspan.uk/blog/tag/solar-carports) - [Healthcare](https://solspan.uk/blog/tag/healthcare) - [Public Sector](https://solspan.uk/blog/tag/public-sector) # Do Solar Carports Need Planning Permission? Posted Aug 20, 2024 8:29:23 AM by [Admin](https://solspan.uk/blog/author/admin) [![Share on facebook](https://solspan.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Kensington%20Systems%20Theme/images/icons/facebook-share.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-carports-planning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://solspan.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Kensington%20Systems%20Theme/images/icons/twitter-share.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-carports-planning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-carports-planning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Do%20Solar%20Carports%20Need%20Planning%20Permission) [![Share on linkedin](https://solspan.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Kensington%20Systems%20Theme/images/icons/linkedin-share.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-carports-planning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on email](https://solspan.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Kensington%20Systems%20Theme/images/icons/email-share.svg)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-carports-planning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-carports-planning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) Are you considering installing a [solar carport](https://solspan.uk/solspan-solar-carports-car-parks-commercial) but unsure about whether you need planning permission? The good news is that recent changes to planning laws have made it easier than ever to go solar without the hassle of lengthy approval processes. With the government's push to encourage more sustainable energy practices, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these new regulations and make a positive impact on both your energy bills and the environment. ### Changes to Planning Laws for Solar Panels Red tape around installing solar panels and carports has been slashed, and the planning process simplified thanks to new regulations that came into effect at the end of 2023. The government introduced the new measures because homeowners and businesses wanting to install solar were having to wait for lengthy planning permission. They now hope the move will encourage more people and businesses to install solar panels, cut energy bills and harmful emissions, helping to decarbonise the UK. The moves will also help the UK to catch up with other countries around the world, including our neighbours, France, whose government made it mandatory for car park owners with 80 to 400 spaces to cover them with solar panels two years ago. ![Solar Carport with cars parked inside](https://144642568.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144642568/hubfs/Image%2028.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=Image%2028.webp) ## Permitted Development For Solar Carports You no longer need planning permission to put up domestic solar installations for roofs, walls and front gardens and solar carports, which all now come under permitted development.  In the same way, red tape for businesses installing solar energy has been slashed so that companies can now install solar panels exceeding 1 megawatt in capacity.  Crucially, the government changes make it far easier for businesses wanting to install solar canopies above their car parks to do so too, in order to encourage the use of solar panels on developed land. ### Class OA for Solar Canopies Class OA is a new regulation to allow companies to have solar canopies within off-street commercial parking. The permitted development right allows you to install, alter or replace solar panel canopy above off-street parking within a commercial property.  ## Planning Restrictions for Solar Carports You will need '[prior approval](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/schedule/2/part/14/crossheading/class-oa-installation-etc-of-a-solar-canopy-on-nondomestic-offstreet-parking)' from your local planning authority before planning and installing solar carports. This is different to planning permission. There are a few restrictions you need to take into account before applying. These include: •    Each solar canopy must be no higher than 4m  •    They need to be at least ten metres away from people’s homes. •    No advertising is allowed on the canopy. •    They can’t be put up within an area next to a listed building or scheduled monument.    ![Solar Carport Car Park Structure](https://144642568.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144642568/hubfs/Image%2026.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=Image%2026.webp) ### Why Do I Need To Apply For Prior Approval? Although you don’t need planning permission any longer for solar carports, you still need prior approval to make sure the changes to your car park are appropriate. This can take up to 10 weeks, though it will depend on your local planning authority.  They need to determine whether you need prior approval in terms of where the canopy sits, its design and what it will look like.  This includes taking into account the impact of glare on your neighbours and if it affects the character of any nearby conservation area. The application must be accompanied by a written description of the proposed development and a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development. You can read more about the submission requirements [here](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/schedule/2/part/14/crossheading/class-oa-installation-etc-of-a-solar-canopy-on-nondomestic-offstreet-parking). ## Taking the First Steps with Solar Carports If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy and reduce your carbon footprint, it's essential to reach out to your local planning authority to ensure a smooth transition. Contact them to make sure you provide all the information you need to start your net-zero journey.  Don't hesitate to take advantage of the new regulations and make a positive impact on both your energy bills and the environment by installing solar carports today. [![Could a solar carport be the answer? Find out today.  ](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144642568/interactive-103667951082.png)](https://solspan.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJq6vxIza%2F6mAvu4kKD5%2BaDsvyrbdp%2BbeiyvQBXKw5U4Gtqg9OatlghM5rMjK2st8GVg0evs2GKGzt%2FltARVXkXdfkydfEVtQP61jwWS%2FAhI6vqx2yaNsxnebKfG%2FdtGOnARi603F6OrAstYoiZJzEe9h4Dz5O76fkmCeDiSL%2FJoXTwnJwtrG8By8MJ1353cfe3Xn9nFo9mvV2NWqC3gpF2BdgPdksP7FfU1mcV%2FgxKqXgJOQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=103667951082&portalId=144642568) [![Contact Us Today](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144642568/interactive-103886645718.png)](https://solspan.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKBWo%2B1ys%2Fj62KZjC5h22V3Xunaezu2L8RnbTay%2F%2BnEEixZIU0F2N4hNm2yxLtGauQ5M%2BMh1XmBBW9uupX6JDdcNrptWvo1u3yBm8C96wNLv0sIx6VmVdu9V2DuR%2Bq%2FEZ5oeoJdzp4Zziz0Y9o1VLgY4QGLf%2BmyDC1POq28YiC4jamR3zDN9AvhOF6LYJGzdkBLDV0F70l8Sgh9Adk%3D&webInteractiveContentId=103886645718&portalId=144642568)   ### Related content ### [![Solar Carport Structure Installation](https://solspan.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Mid%20Kent%20College%20Complete%20EDITED%20LS.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=Mid%20Kent%20College%20Complete%20EDITED%20LS.jpg) What is the ROI on a solar carport installation? And how is it calculated? Did you know that UK businesses could save more than £1.4 billion and 570,000 tonnes of... Continue reading](https://solspan.uk/blog/roi-on-solar-carport-installation) ### [![Councils making use of solar caport canopies & covers](https://solspan.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Mid%20Kent%20College%20Solar%20Carport%20(14).jpg?width=600&height=400&name=Mid%20Kent%20College%20Solar%20Carport%20(14).jpg) Plug Into Profit | How Local Councils Can Maximise EV Charging Revenue Cash-strapped councils across the UK are installing thousands of EV charging points in... Continue reading](https://solspan.uk/blog/how-local-councils-can-maximise-ev-charging-revenue) ### [![Solar Carport structure](https://solspan.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/hp-slide-1.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=hp-slide-1.jpg) Solar Module Prices Are Rising — What This Means for Public-Sector Decarbonisation Projects in 2026 After more than a decade of steady declines, global solar module prices are now moving... Continue reading](https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-module-prices-rising-2026) ![SolSpan logo - inverse](https://solspan.uk/hubfs/SolSpan%20logo%20-%20inverse.svg) Our high quality turnkey solar carport solutions, projects and installations help our clients realise their sustainability goals whilst generating a return on investment and enhancing brand equity. Connect with us [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/solspan-uk/about/) #### Solspan UK - [About Solspan](https://solspan.uk/about-us-solspan) - [Solspan Gallery](https://solspan.uk/image-gallery-solspan-solar-carports-car-parks) - [Blog & News](https://solspan.uk/blog) - [Solar Savings](https://solspan.uk/solar-savings-index) - [Solar FAQs](https://solspan.uk/faq) #### Solspan Carports [Solar Carports & Canopies](https://solspan.uk/solspan-solar-carports-car-parks-commercial) [Steel Solar Carports](https://solspan.uk/steel-solar-carports) [Timber Solar Caports](https://solspan.uk/timber-solar-carports) [Aluminium Solar Carports](https://solspan.uk/aluminium-solar-carports-solspan) [Solar Carport Consultancy](https://solspan.uk/solar-carport-consultancy) #### Get in Touch [Contact Us](https://solspan.uk/contact-solar-carports-carparks-solspan) [0117 205 2815](tel:01172052815) [sales@solspan.uk](mailto:sales@solspan.uk)   **42-46 Lodge Causeway** **Fishponds** **Bristol** **BS16 3JB** Copyright © Solspan 2026. All rights reserved. - [Terms of sale](https://solspan.uk/terms-and-conditions-of-sale) - [Terms of use](https://solspan.uk/terms-and-conditions-of-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://solspan.uk/privacy-policy) - [Cookie Policy](https://solspan.uk/cookie-policy) - [Company Policies & Documents](https://solspan.uk/policies) // New Custom Render ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Admin", "url" : "https://solspan.uk/blog/author/admin" }, "dateModified" : "2025-09-11T10:45:57.632Z", "datePublished" : "2024-08-20T07:29:23.000Z", "headline" : "Do Solar Carports Need Planning Permission?", "image" : [ "https://solspan.uk/hubfs/Image%2016.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://solspan.uk/blog/solar-carports-planning", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://solspan.uk/hubfs/SolSpan%20logo.svg" } } } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Do Solar Carports Need Planning Permission?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Are you considering installing a solar carport but unsure about whether you need planning permission? The good news is that recent changes to planning laws have made it easier than ever to go solar without the hassle of lengthy approval processes. With the government's push to encourage more sustainable energy practices, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these new regulations and make a positive impact on both your energy bills and the environment. Changes to Planning Laws for Solar Panels Red tape around installing solar panels and carports has been slashed and the planning process simplified thanks to new regulations that came into effect at the end of 2023. The government introduced the new measures because homeowners and businesses wanting to install solar were having to wait for lengthy planning permission. They now hope the move will encourage more people and businesses to install solar panels, cut energy bills and harmful emissions helping to decarbonise the UK. The moves will also help the UK to catch up with other countries around the world, including our neighbours France, whose government made it mandatory for car park owners with 80 to 400 spaces to cover them with solar panels two years ago. Permitted Development For Solar Carports You no longer need planning permission to put up domestic solar installations for roofs, walls and front gardens and solar carports which all now come under permitted development. In the same way, red tape for businesses installing solar energy has been slashed so that companies can now install solar panels exceeding 1 megawatt in capacity. Crucially, the government changes make it far easier for businesses wanting to install solar canopies above their car parks to do so too, in order to encourage the use of solar panels on developed land. Class OA for Solar Canopies Class OA is a new regulation to allow companies to have solar canopies within off-street commercial parking. The permitted development right allows you to install, alter or replace solar panel canopy above off-street parking within a commercial property. Planning Restrictions for Solar Carports You will need 'prior approval' from your local planning authority before planning and installing solar carports. This is different to planning permission. There are a few restrictions you need to take into account before applying. These include: • Each solar canopy must be no higher than 4m • They need to be at least ten metres away from people’s homes. • No advertising is allowed on the canopy. • They can’t be put up within an area next to a listed building or scheduled monument." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why Do I Need To Apply For Prior Approval?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Although you don’t need planning permission any longer for solar carports, you still need prior approval to make sure the changes to your car park are appropriate. This can take up to 10 weeks, though it will depend on your local planning authority. They need to determine whether you need prior approval in terms of where the canopy sits, its design and what it will look like. This includes taking into account the impact of glare on your neighbours and if it affects the character of any nearby conservation area. The application must be accompanied by a written description of the proposed development and a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development. You can read more about the submission requirements here. Taking the First Steps If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy and reduce your carbon footprint, it's essential to reach out to your local planning authority to ensure a smooth transition. Contact them to make sure you provide all the information you need to start your net zero journey. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the new regulations and make a positive impact on both your energy bills and the environment by installing solar carports today." } }] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.solspan.uk/", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "additionalType" : [ "http://www.productontology.org/id/Solar_panel", "http://www.productontology.org/id/Solar_canopy", "http://www.productontology.org/id/Carport" ], "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "GB", "addressLocality" : "Bristol", "addressRegion" : "Bristol", "postalCode" : "BS16 3JB", "streetAddress" : "42-46 Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : 5, "ratingValue" : 5.0, "reviewCount" : 1, "worstRating" : 1 }, "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : [ "Bristol" ], "availableLanguage" : null, "contactOption" : "", "contactType" : "customer service", "email" : "sales@solspan.uk", "telephone" : "0117 205 2815" }, "description" : "Solspan UK is one of the UK's leading suppliers and installers of commercial solar carport solutions. We specialise in providing turnkey solutions and a seamless, stress-free experience for our clients. Our end-to-end project management approach takes care of every aspect, from initial designs, groundworks, installation and electrical work to final commissioning. Deliver on your sustainability goals and meet legal obligations without the stress.", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : "51.473831", "longitude" : "-2.528590" }, "logo" : "https://solspan.uk/hubfs/SolSpan%20logo.svg", "name" : "Solspan UK", "openingHours" : [ "Mo 07.00 – 16.30", "Tu 07.00 – 16.30", "We 07.00 – 16.30", "Th 07.00 – 16.30", "Fr 07.00 – 16.30", "Sa Closed", "Su Closed" ], "priceRange" : "$$", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/solspan-uk/" ], "telephone" : "0117 205 2815", "url" : "https://www.solspan.uk/" } ```