The Sustainable Development and Construction SPD was adopted in December 2005 and updated in May 2008 (see information below).
Further information:
Amendment to SPD - May 2008
Background
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2008, came into effect on 6 April and sets out permitted development levels for some domestic microgeneration equipment.
The following text below replaces the section in the SPD entitled 'Planning Permission and Permitted Development' which can be found in Appendix 4, paragraphs 4.5.2 - 4.5.3.
Planning Permission and Permitted Development
Section 55 (1) and (2) in Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act outlines the meaning of development. It is defined as ‘the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land’, and states that ‘the following operations or uses of land shall not be taken for the purpose of this Act to involve development, building or works which do not materially affect the external appearance of the building.’
The legislation changed on 6 April 2008. Certain types of microgeneration equipment installed on dwellings or buildings consisting of flats are now permitted development and do not require planning permission.
This includes the following:
- solar PV or solar thermal equipment
- stand alone solar equipment
- ground source heat pumps
- water source heat pumps
- flues in connection with biomass or combined heat and power systems
There are a number of limitations contained within the legislation relating to, for example, the projection of equipment above roof planes or where the equipment can be sited. Different rules will apply to developments within conservation areas and on listed buildings.
Owners of buildings are encouraged to seek advice from Development Control officers (contact details below).
Planning Development Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444609
Email: planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk