Can you install and use solar panels in designated conservation areas or not? Here we explore the process.
- What is a Conservation Area?
- How do I find out if my property is in a conservation area?
- How do I find out if my property is a listed building?
- Can you install solar panels in a conservation area?
- What additional rules apply to conservation areas?
- When do you need planning permission?
- What is Article 4?
- What about building regulations?
If you are considering installing solar panels on your property or land, there are many factors to consider.
One such consideration is planning permission and building regulations.
However, if your property is within a designated conservation area in the UK, this will mean that there are additional rules and regulations you must comply with.
But what are they?
Let's explore...
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Solar Panels in Conservation Area Key Points:
Most residential properties in the UK can install solar panels on their roofs without planning permission if specific criteria are met - this is known as permitted development - this includes those that live in a conservation area.
However, there are certain conditions you must meet.
It is worth contacting your local planning office for the specific rules and details concerning your area.
You can start designing your solar panel system using our free tool here.
What is a Conservation Area?
A conservation area is a designated region or area of land that is protected and managed to preserve its natural, cultural, or historical features.
These areas are established to safeguard important ecosystems, wildlife habitats, unique landscapes, and historically significant sites.
How do I find out if my property is in a conservation area?
If you suspect your property is within a conservation area, the most reliable way to verify this is to get in touch with your local planning authority.
They will have access to all of the necessary records and be able to identify if your property falls within the boundaries of a conservation area.
How do I find out if my property is a listed building?
The National Heritage List for England (NHLE) website has a record of all the listed buildings in England.
Can you install solar panels in a conservation area?
Typically yes, you can install solar panels on your roof if certain criteria are met and this is known as 'permitted development'. This also typically applies to conservation areas.
The conditions that must be met, include the following:
a. They should not extend more than 20cm horizontally from the building's wall or roof slope.
b. They should not be placed higher than the main roof's ridge line or the highest part of a flat roof if the building has flat roofs. Please note that features like chimneys, firewalls, parapet walls, or other structures above the main roof or flat roof should not be considered when determining the highest point of the existing house or flat.
c. They should be positioned to minimize their impact on the building's external appearance as much as possible.
d. They should be located to minimize their impact on the overall attractiveness of the surrounding area.
e. If they are no longer needed, they should be promptly removed when reasonably practical.
What additional rules apply to conservation areas?
When considering the installation of solar panels on buildings that are officially listed, situated within World Heritage Sites, or located within designated conservation areas, specific regulations must be observed:
Solar panels are prohibited from being affixed to any building within the confines of a listed property or on sites designated as historical monuments.
In the event that a property is located within a conservation area or within the boundaries of a World Heritage Site, it is not permissible to install solar panels on a wall that faces a public road.
When do you need planning permission?
If you are in any doubt about the above criteria, then it's recommended that you apply to your local planning department for pre-application planning advice or a lawful development certificate (LDC) before installing the solar panels.
If you cannot meet any of the criteria or your local authority issues an 'Article 4' you must apply for planning permission.
Should you reside in a conservation area and have the intention to install solar panels, it is always advisable to get in touch with your local council.
They will assess whether the proposed alterations align with the visual and aesthetic character of your area before providing authorisation for the installation.
Related solar guides:
What is Article 4?
"Article 4" is part of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, which is a piece of legislation that governs permitted development rights in England.
Article 4 Directions enable local planning authorities to restrict or withdraw certain permitted development rights within their areas.
Article 4 Directions can vary between local authorities, so the content of Article 4 in a specific location may differ from one place to another.
Typically Article 4 Directions are used to control development in sensitive areas, conservation areas, or places where local authorities want to maintain greater control over changes to the built environment.
They can be applied to limit permitted development rights related to things like house extensions, changes of use, or alterations to buildings.
If you have a specific question about Article 4 in a particular location or regarding a specific aspect of planning and development in the UK, it's advisable to consult with the local planning authority or seek legal advice, as the details can vary depending on the specific circumstances and local regulations.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
What about building regulations?
Solar panels do need to meet the requirements of certain building regulations (this is all part of the surveying and installation process at Heatable).
However, essentially the building regulations relevant to solar panels include the following:
The roof must be able to bear the weight of the solar panels and be strengthened before installation if necessary.
The installation must meet certain requirements covering electrical installation.
As mentioned the above regulations are a standard part of the MCS survey and installation process.
In some cases, your property may have to undergo additional work before your solar panels can be installed.
If you are researching solar panel companies, you may find our resources valuable. Check out our comprehensive comparison of the best solar panel companies in the UK, learn about the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) process, and explore our detailed solar panel guide and solar advice section for expert insights and recommendations.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
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