Broadening permitted development rights could help boost solar power, as the Government’s intention to allow greater flexibility in planning will mean that rooftop solar panels can be more easily installed.

The announcement from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has been welcomed by Solar Energy UK, with chief executive Chris Hewett saying: “The potential of installing solar power on large commercial rooftops is vast, its prospective capacity having been estimated at 15GW across the country. So, eliminating one of the stumbling blocks on the way to fulfilling that opportunity is extremely welcome, helping to make British businesses more competitive by slashing energy bills, bolstering the economy and pushing us further towards net-zero.”

Currently, solar panels may be installed without planning permission in most circumstances, but exceptions apply in the case of homes with flat roofs and for installations with a capacity of more than one megawatt, such as could be found on large commercial buildings. These lead to extra costs and delays, impeding the attainment of climate and energy security goals, while slowing economic growth and the reduction of energy bills.

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