What about conservation areas?

In all 4 nations: solar is permitted in conservation areas BUT panels must not face a highway (street-facing). Rear and side installations are fine under permitted development. This catches most installations — rear roofs are typically south-facing.

Do I need a DNO notification?

Yes — your installer submits a G99 notification to your Distribution Network Operator. This is a legal requirement, not a planning matter. Your MCS installer handles this as part of the installation process.

Planning Permission: All 4 Nations

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 19 March 2026|guide

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Solar planning permission — 4 nations, 4 rule sets. Most solar needs NO planning permission.

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Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Solar panel planning permission rules for all 4 UK nations: ENGLAND: Permitted development under GPDO 2015, Schedule 2, Part 14. No planning needed IF: panels don't protrude >200mm, don't exceed highest roof point, not on listed building, and (in conservation areas) don't face a highway. Ground-mounted: under 9m², not forward of principal elevation. Source: Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk). SCOTLAND: Permitted development under Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992, Class 6A. Similar rules to England with minor differences. Contact your local planning authority for specifics. Source: Scottish Government (gov.scot). WALES: Permitted development under Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2009. Functionally similar to England. Source: Welsh Government (gov.wales). NORTHERN IRELAND: Permitted development under Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (NI) 2015, Part 13. Similar framework to England. Source: NI Planning (planningni.gov.uk). ALL NATIONS — ALWAYS NEED PLANNING: Listed buildings (listed building consent), flats/maisonettes, ground-mounted >9m² (England). ALL NATIONS — BUILDING REGS: MCS installers self-certify compliance with Part P (electrical) and Part L (energy). No separate application needed.