Please note: this is for guidance only due the fact that we have been struggling to get definitive information from SCC.
There has been confusion in the past as neither solar panels nor EV chargers are explicitly mentioned in the Article 4(2). This would seem to imply, from a legal point of view, that therefore they are subject only to national regulations, ie permitted development and (in regard to solar) general conservation area regulation.
Solar Panels
Conservation regulations stipulate that permission for solar is required for front elevations if mounted on a wall. We are still trying to ascertain whether that also means roof slope but for now it may be safest to assume that as far as SCC planning officers are concerned, planning permission is required to mount solar panels on a front elevation, in spite of the fact they are not mentioned on the OT Article 4(2).
But it is worth being aware of this clause:
- The panels should not have such an impact on the building that they negatively affect its architectural and aesthetic integrity.
This implies that if there is any doubt you should seek advice from SCC.
Within the triangle there have been a few installations on front elevations, but we are only aware of one which went through the planning process.
The latest communication we have received confirms that installation of PV on the side and/or rear roof slope is subject only to permitted development regulations and does not require planning permission unless it necessitates the removal of chimneys which are covered by the article 4(2) on any roof slope.
See The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 for full information
EV Charging:
Planning permission is not required under Article 4(2).
See here for full information (Part 2 D p 25)
In either case (solar panels or EV charging) it is advisable to ring the council and ask to speak to the Conservation Officer, mentioning Article 4(2).
For example, EV chargers are not excluded from permitted development by the Article 4, and so are classed as permitted development only providing they fit certain criteria., ie are less than 0.2 cubic metres in size, face onto or are closer than two meters from a highway . Otherwise planning permissions is required irrespective of conservation area.