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.
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.
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.
