Permitted development rights extended

Permitted development rights in England are being extended to include the installation, alteration or replacement of microgeneration equipment on non-domestic buildings. The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order SI 1995/418 provides such permitted development rights, which means that certain specified developments can be carried out without the need for planning permission as the permission is already granted through the Order.

In 2008, permitted development rights were extended so that microgeneration equipment, such as solar PV, could be installed, altered or replaced in relation to domestic buildings. However, from 6 April 2012 those rights will be extended so that an application for planning permission will not be required for the installation, alteration or replacement of the following in relation to non-domestic buildings in England:

• solar PV or solar thermal equipment;
• stand alone solar;
• ground source heat pump;
• flue, forming part of a biomass heating system on certain buildings;
• flue, forming part of a combined heat and power system, on certain buildings.

However, these permitted development rights have strict conditions and limitations that have to be followed in order for the development to be carried out without the need to apply for planning permission.