It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permissions and consent for your installation.  However we are always happy to provide assistance and guidance for any applications required.

Planning Permission

We always recommend that you check first with your local authority whether planning permission will be required for your installation.  However, since the implementation of the Permitted Development Rights on 6 April 2008 it means that planning permission has been made much simpler.

Please find information below on the Permitted Development Rights for different renewable technologies. 

Permitted Development Rights

In England the changes to permitted development rights for renewable technologies introduced on 6 April 2008 (12 April 2009 in Scotland) mean that the requirements for planning permission for most domestic microgeneration technologies have been lifted.

The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), or the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Domestic Microgeneration) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2009 grants rights to carry out certain limited forms of development on the home, without the need to apply for planning permission.  The scope of the GPDO in England and the TCP (GPD) in Scotland now extends to the following technologies:

Solar PV and Solar Thermal (Roof Mounted)

Permitted unless:

• Panels protrude more than 200mm when installed.

Additionally in Scotland only:

• Installed on any part of the external walls of the building if the building contains a flat.
• Panels when installed on a flat roof are situated within 1 metre from the edge of the roof or protrude more than 1 metre above the plane of the roof.
• Panels when installed project higher than the highest point of the roof (excluding the chimney).
• The building is within a conservation area or World Heritage Site and the solar PV or solar thermal is installed on a roof which forms part of the front of the building and is visible from the road.
• Note additionally in Scotland only:  The solar PV or solar thermal equipment must, as far as it is reasonably practical, minimise its effect on the amenity of the area and be removed when it is no longer needed or used for domestic microgeneration.

Solar PV and Solar Thermal (Stand Alone)

Permitted unless:

• More than 4 metres in height.
• Installed less than 5 metres away from any boundary (England Only).
• Above a maximum area of array of nine square metres.

In England only:

• Situated on a wall within any part of the curtilage of the dwelling house and would be visible from a highway in Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites.

Additionally in Scotland only:

• Installed a distance from the boundary of the curtilage of the dwelling house which is less than the height of the array.
• Within the curtilage of a listed building.
• Results in more than one free standing solar.
• The building is within a conservation area or World Heritage Site and the solar PV or solar thermal equipment is installed on a wall or roof which forms the front of the building and is visible from the road.
• Note additionally in Scotland only:  The solar PV or solar thermal equipment must, as far as is reasonably practical, minimise its effect on the amenity of the area and be removed when it is no longer needed or used for domestic microgeneration.

Ground and Water Source Heat Pumps

Permitted.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Since November 2009 domestic installations of Air Source Heat Pumps also come under permitted development rights subject to certain criteria and limitations:

• Requirement to be installed under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
• Have a maximum noise level of 45 dB.
• Be appropriately sited.
• Fall within the maximum height/size/number of installations.
• Restrictions to certain areas such as World Heritage Sites and Conservation Areas.

Building Control

It is necessary to comply with Building Control Regulations with regard to the structural loading of the roof and the electrical installation.

Structural Loading of Roof

Structural loading of the roof (ability of the existing roof to carry the load (weight) of the panel and will need to be checked and proven.  Some strengthening work may be required.  Ecofurb (UK) Ltd has developed strong links with Structural Engineers in the areas in which we serve and will always advise you to instruct if there is any doubt as to the ability of your roof to withstand the installation.  Most strengthening work can be carried out in-house to the specification provided by the Structural Engineer.

You can apply for Building Control approval by application or tell the Local Authority by Building Notice that the work is being undertaken.

Electrical Installation

Ecofurb (UK) Ltd is an approved Niceic Domestic Installer and can therefore self certify your electrical installation.

Please click for essential information on permissions and consents for your installation.