Conservation area and solar panels

NotSoWise

Anybody been able to install solar panels in a conservation area?

Was there any problem with planning permission?

Cardew

There have been a couple of posts on this subject.

I suspect that different councils have different rules.

I think that the general rule by most councils is that they won't be allowed if the panels can be seen from the road. I live in a conservation area and my council take a harder line, others are more lenient.

There was a report on MSE that an owner appealed against a refusal, and won.

greyteam1959

I put them on my garage roof in a conservation area.
In my case planning permission was not needed because although the panels face due south they face away from the conservation area. If you see what I mean !!
My neighbours across might not be so lucky because to put the panels on the south side of the roof would mean that they faced into the conservation area.
HTH

thenudeone

I live in a conservation area and it is possible to install solar panels without planning permission subject to certain conditions, the main ones are:
-not visible from principal elevation (usually the front which faces the main road) It doesn't seem to matter if the panels are visible from another road.
-no higher than 200mm above existing roof surface
-will be removed once no longer used for generating

Most councils will give you a free written opinion of whether planning permission is required (it isn't if the above is true) but this is not legally binding.

It's better to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development for £75. This is a legally binding certificate which you will probably need when you come to sell the house.

It can all be done online through the Government's planning portal.
I submitted photos of the existing building and a mocked-up photo with the solar panels in place (provided by my installer), and a pdf site plan that I have purchased from the Land Registry website for £4.

Well worth it for the peace of mind.