Do Solar Panels Need Planning Permission?

The general position

Solar on a house often falls under permitted development, subject to conditions about how far the panels project, where they sit relative to the roof plane, and the property's designation.

Where it does not apply

Listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats and maisonettes. Local designations vary, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own planning regimes.

Leicester

Leicester's Edwardian terraces often carry chimney stacks mid-slope, which can shade part of an array through the middle of the day and is a common reason to specify optimisers.

What to do

Check with your local planning authority for your specific property before you commit. Your installer will usually help, but the responsibility for consent sits with the property owner.