Planning permission for renewable energy technologies
Legislation introduced in April 2008 means that the following renewable energy technologies can be installed in a dwelling house without applying for planning permission.  Planning permission for renewable microgeneration technologies on other types of residential properties (i.e. flats) is required.

Please be aware that there are some exceptions:

• Roof mounted solar pv and solar thermal: does not need planning permission except if:
  • the panels project more than 200mm above the roof when installed,
  • you live in a conservation area or a listed building.
    
    
• Stand alone solar pv and solar thermal: does not need planning permission except if:
  
  • it is greater than 4 metres in height,
  • it is installed less than 5 metres away from any boundary,
  • it has a greater surface area than 9 square metres,
  • you live in a conservation area or a listed building.
  • there is more than one unit in an individual property.
    
    
• Ground source heat pumps: does not need planning permission.
  
  
• Water source heat pumps: does not need planning permission.
  
  
• Biomass: does not need planning permission except if:
  • the flue is greater than 1 metre above the height of the roof,
  • you live in a conservation area or a listed building.

Planning permission for micro-wind turbines and air source heat pumps
You need to apply for planning permission for micro-wind turbines and air source heat pumps at present.

In the future there may be changes to planning legislation which will mean that air source heat pumps and some micro-wind turbines can be installed without planning permission.

We would always recommend that you contact planning services before installing any of the above renewable energy technologies.


Planning Helpdesk
Guildford Borough council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444609
Email: planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk

Climate Change Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444509
Email: climatechange@guildford.gov.uk