Living in a conservation area means that you’ve got to play by the rules. It’s all about embracing the quirks and historical significance of your surroundings, so they can survive into the future.
But it can make certain things a little tricky. What if you’re keen to embrace modern, sustainable technology like solar panels? Can you have the best of both worlds – historical charm and green energy?
Is it possible to have solar panels in a conservation area?
The short answer is yes, you can have solar panels in a conservation area. But it is a little more complicated than that and certainly not as straightforward as it is for homes looking to install solar panels outside these protected zones.
Instead, you’ll need to go through planning permission to make sure your solar plans align with the area’s conservation status.
It can be frustrating as this process can take 1-3 months to go through. If you want to significantly reduce your energy bills each year and harness clean energy to power your home, don’t let the extra wait time put you off – it’ll be worth it.
Why do you need planning permission for solar panels in conservation areas?
Conservation areas are designated by local authorities to preserve the special architectural or historic interest of a place. According to the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, which covers England and Wales, the quality of a conservation area is, “the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.
In the UK, there are around 10,000 conservation areas protecting roughly 2.3% of land area and 10% of properties. These areas can range from urban areas to rural villages, each with its unique character that local councils aim to protect. So, there’s a fair likelihood that your home may be in a conservation area.
When it comes to solar panel installations, the main concern in conservation areas is visual impact. The modern appearance of solar panels can potentially clash with the traditional aesthetics that conservation areas seek to maintain. This doesn’t mean solar panels are off the table, but it does mean you’ll need to be more thoughtful about their placement and design.
If these are issues, you may need to consider alternative options, such as solar tiles, that blend in more with traditional roofing materials.
On a positive note, attitudes towards solar panels in conservation areas are evolving. As the climate crisis grows, many local authorities are becoming more open to sensitively designed solar installations, recognising the need to balance historical preservation with environmental sustainability. This is a good sign.
Solar panel planning permission requirements
In most cases, you’ll need to apply for planning permission to install solar panels in a conservation area. This is different from properties outside conservation areas, where solar panels are often considered under ‘permitted development rights’, meaning they don’t require planning permission.
The planning permission process typically involves:
- Contacting your local planning authority for initial guidance
- Preparing plans and supporting documents
- Submitting your application (usually online)
- Paying any required fees
- Waiting for a decision (usually 8-12 weeks)
When reviewing your application, local authorities will consider many issues. The dealbreakers of solar panels in conservation areas tend to be around:
- The visibility of the panels from public areas
- The impact on the character of the building and surrounding area
- The reversibility of the installation
Each local authority may have slightly different criteria or priorities when it comes to solar panels in conservation areas. Some may have specific guidance documents or policies relating to renewable energy in historic areas. Always check with your local planning department for the most up-to-date and area-specific information. You can find your local planning authority here.
How to increase your chances of getting planning permission approved for solar panels
To increase your chances of getting solar panels approved in a conservation area, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- Visibility – During the idea phase, aim to install panels on roof slopes that aren’t visible from the street. This might mean using the rear of your property or any roofs to the side. In some cases, ground-mounted panels in a back garden might be a viable alternative if they’re well-screened from public view.
- Size and layout – A smaller array or a thoughtful panel layout might be more acceptable than covering an entire roof slope. Consider breaking up the array into smaller groups of panels if it helps to reduce visual impact. Of course, you’ll still want the array to provide enough energy to meet your household demands, so it might be a balancing act here.
- Integration – Look for ways to integrate the panels with your existing roof design. This could involve using black panels and frames on dark roofs to minimise contrast. Some manufacturers now offer solar panels in different colours, which might help them blend in better with certain roof types.
- Engage early with conservation officers – They can provide valuable guidance before you submit your application and may be able to suggest design solutions that have worked well in similar cases.
- Integrate with sustainability goals – Demonstrate how the installation aligns with local and national sustainability goals. Many local authorities have declared climate emergencies and have targets for reducing carbon emissions. Show how your installation contributes to these goals.
- Professional help – Consider seeking help from a planning consultant or architect experienced in conservation areas. They can help navigate the planning process and may have insights into what local authorities are looking for.
- Keep an open mind – Be prepared to compromise. If your initial proposal is met with resistance, be open to adjusting your plans. A reduced number of panels or a different location might be more acceptable.
What to do if permission is denied for solar panels
If your application is unsuccessful, don’t lose heart. This is a common occurrence. Instead, look at the next steps and the action points you can take.
Your first step is to appeal the decision. You have the right to appeal if your application is refused, however, this can be a lengthy process with no guarantee of success. The immediate alternative to appealing is to revise and resubmit your plans. Based on the feedback from your initial application, you might be able to revise your plans and submit a new application that addresses the concerns raised.
It’s also a good idea to explore other energy-saving measures. Make sure you’ve considered other ideas to reduce your energy consumption and create a greener home. Other measures include improved insulation, energy-efficient appliances or a heat pump to supply electric heating.
If you can’t install panels, you might still be able to install a battery energy storage system. There are still benefits to battery storage without solar panels, including the ability to store cheap off-peak electricity. This can reduce your reliance on the grid during peak times and reduce your bills.
If you haven’t already, consider solar tiles or slates that look like traditional roofing materials. These are more expensive, but they can be a good compromise in sensitive areas. They’re designed to look like regular roof tiles but have photovoltaic cells built-in. Genius.
Finally, we’d suggest looking into community solar schemes for your local area. Some areas have community-owned solar projects that you could participate in. These schemes are great and are popping up more often around the UK. They allow you to support and harness solar energy without installing panels on your own property.
So, whilst installing solar panels in a conservation area comes with extra challenges, it’s far from impossible. With careful planning, thoughtful design and open communication with your local planning authority, you can often find a way to get these clean energy generating panels installed for your home.
