Solar Panels - covenants say no....

Troytempest

We have lived in a gated community for 25 years from new.  It has restrictive covenants that prohibit any changes to the exterior appearance of our freehold town house.

Things have moved on in 25 years with the advent of solar and the high prices of conventional energy.

Any opinion on how enforceable this covenant would be with regard to Solar Panels.

Thank you

Robin9

Who is going to do the enforcing?

ThisIsWeird

If the author of this covenant or their successor is still taking an interest in this community, then - yes - I believe they can enforce the covenant.

If other houses have made more obvious alterations to their exteriors with no issue, or with permission, then fair chance this will be allowable too - but you should ask, as it could be an expensive mistake.

Do you have a copy of your deeds? 

Do you have a management company? You can try asking them if it's ok?

Troytempest

Thank you - All of the enforcing is done by a Management Company.

No one here has changed any colours or any form of changes that are obvious.  I have asked them but they say no which is a bit short-sighted in these eco days.

That is why I wondered if that specific covenant (and only as it relates to panels) would be enforceable in law. 

TELLIT01

If the management company has already said no to the request, I would suggest it would be a very high risk strategy to ignore them and go ahead anyway.  The OP needs to speak to a solicitor and take legal advice from them.