Do Solar Panels Require Planning Permission?
Solar Panels & Permitted Development
If you’re considering solar panels for your home or building in the Westmorland and Furness area, good news - in most cases you won’t need formal planning permission. Solar installations on houses, flats or buildings within your property boundary are normally classed as “permitted development,” meaning you can install them without applying for planning consent — as long as specific conditions are met.
When Planning Permission Is Not Required
Under permitted development rules:
Solar panels must not be higher than the highest part of your roof (excluding chimneys) and should project no more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall surface.
Panels should be positioned to minimise visual impact on your home and neighbourhood.
When Permission May Be Needed
You may need to seek planning permission or listed building consent if:
Your property is a listed building or within the grounds of one.
Your home is in a conservation area and panels will be visible from public areas like roads or footpaths.
You want to install stand‑alone or ground‑mounted panels that don’t sit on a roof (these may have separate limits).
Want Confirmation Before Installing?
If you’re unsure whether your roof‑mounted solar will qualify as permitted development, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the council or Planning Portal. This provides peace of mind and formal confirmation that your system complies with planning rules.
GlowSolar Planning Support
GlowSolar can help you assess your property and confirm whether your solar system qualifies under permitted development rules - taking the guesswork out of planning and ensuring your installation proceeds smoothly and legally. Contact us today.
Planning Permission FAQs
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In most cases, no - roof‑mounted panels meeting permitted development criteria don’t need planning permission.
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If your panels are visible from a highway or public area, you might need permission.
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Listed buildings require planning permission and listed building consent.
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Stand‑alone panels are treated differently and may require planning permission with specific conditions.
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If previous alterations used up your PD rights, a full planning application may be necessary.
“We don’t do hard-selling because we don’t use salesmen, we just offer honest advice to our customers and charge a fair price for the high quality solar PV installation and service you receive. When dealing with GlowSolar, you will only ever speak to one person for quotes, installation, aftercare and maintenance.”
Our Solar Services
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Solar Panels
Solar PV is a good investment. Solar gives you energy security, saving you money on your electricity bills and protecting you from inevitable future price rises from energy suppliers.
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Battery Storage
Capture and store green energy with a solar battery. Adding a solar battery array is a great way to make the most of renewable energy and increase your independence from the grid.
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Maintenance & Repairs
All electrical systems need periodic inspection and testing. Solar PV systems are no different. For PV systems mounted on buildings, the recommended inspection interval will depend on the type and use of the building.
Get A Solar Quote
Contact us for a free, no obligation quote. We will visit your property and give our expert opinion on the best solar solution. No sales patter, just honest advice.