Planning - Energy efficiency
EHDC is keen to promote renewable energy. It is now a very high profile topic, and we have have many enquiries about what planning permission is needed for things like solar panels and wind turbines.
Solar panels
Single family dwelling houses:
Planning permission is not required provided the panels are flush with the plane of the roof and the dwelling is not within a conservation area. This also applies if the panels are to be on the front elevation of the property.
Flats:
Flats do not have permitted development rights and planning permission is always required
Businesses:
Planning permission is not required provided panel(s) flush with plane of roof and the building is not within a conservation area.
Listed buidings:
Listed Building Consent and planning permission are required (unless it falls within any other PD Class)
Domestic Wind Turbines
Flats:
Flats have no ‘permitted development’ and planning permission is required
AONB or conservation areas:
planning permission is required regardless of where the turbine is to be located.
Outside AONB or conservation area:
If the turbine is fixed to the house, similar rules apply as Schedule 2, Part 1 Class B of the GDPO (addition or alteration to roof)
Freestanding (on a pole) – permitted development if:
a) No closer to the highway than any part of the original dwellinghouse
b) 20 m from the highway if the house is set back further than 20 m from the highway
c) Less than 3 m in height, including the blades of the turbine
If an application is required, details of the noise generated by the unit will be required as part of the application, in addition to the standard information.
If you require further advice, please contact planningdev@easthants.gov.uk
If you would like written confirmation of whether or not permission is required, please complete and e-mail this form.
Useful links
Woking Borough Council has produced a very helpful Greener Homes Guide which aims to help householders make improvements and modifications that are more environmentally friendly. It is possible to download the entire guide or particular sections that are of interest.
Much advice can be found on the Energy Saving Trust website, including the downloadable leaflet Meeting the 10 per cent target for renewable energy in housing - a guide for planners and developers. (pdf)
Planning policies and considerations
Policies E1 and E2 of the Local Plan cover many environmental issues and these should be carefully studied.
These policies require new development to promote the conservation of energy by seeking the highest practicable degree of energy efficiency through appropriate location, orientation, layout and design.
Therefore, all permissions for dwellings will now include the following condition:
The development hereby permitted shall incorporate efficient renewable energy design principles and shall demonstrate a high standard of energy efficiency by incorporating renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10% of predicted energy requirements of the development in accordance with details that have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority before any development starts on site. The carbon savings which result from this will be above and beyond what is required to comply with Part L Building Regulations.