Electric vehicle charging

In cases where permitted development rights do not apply, it is necessary to apply for planning permission. Normally this will be in the form of householder planning permission; however, this may change depending on the size of the development. Permission is usually required for:

• On-street parking
• Conservation areas Listed buildings
• Areas where the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers is restricted, e.g. through article 4 directives¹
• More than one upstand per parking space.

Installing a home charger is classified as development, so is up to the householder to ensure the correct permissions are in place before any changes are made. The householder may employ a professional to help with the application. Without the correct permissions, enforcement action may be taken against the householder.

Detailed information about householder planning consent, including the cost and required information, is available on the consent types section.²

Creating a successful application

To increase your chances of approval when submitting a planning application for an EV home charger you should ensure that your development minimises impact on the visual context of the local area . You can make the charge point discreet and unobtrusive through placing it around the side of your house, on a porch, or by using bushes and plants to disguise it.

It may be worthwhile to set out the environmental benefits that installing an EV home charger will allow the applicant to realise. They might be classed as “material considerations” within the application³, particularly on larger or complex cases. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) may take this into account when determining an application. This can be discussed prior to submission to understand if it will be deemed a material consideration.

Environmental benefits may come in the form of reduced carbon footprint and reduced air pollution, which can be calculated using online tools such as a Carbon Reduction Calculator⁴. Data gained from these calculations may be related back to targets and objections set out in the LPA’s Local Plan, Carbon Policy and Air Quality Policies, which can usually be found on Local Authority websites.

If located in a designated area, such as a Conservation area, then there are increased chances that if an application is accepted there will be conditions attached, affecting the size, appearance and placement of the charger.

Pre-planning advice can help ease the planning process through ensuring both sides understand what is required. Alongside this, the use of an agent will reduce the quantity of work placed on the applicant. They are likely to have a deeper understanding on the process and what is deemed acceptable.

If an application is rejected, you may wish to reapply using any recommendations provided by the Planning Officer. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal⁵ against it, this should always be a last resort.

You may reach an understanding that installing an EV home charger is not possible due to planning restrictions. In these cases, you should consider any alternative charging options such as public or work charge points. If there is no public provision in your area it is worth contacting your local council to explore whether public chargepoints could be installed.

Lawful development certificate

If an EV home charger was installed on your property without any permission being granted, or using permitted development rights, then a lawful development certificate (LDC) can provide proof that the work is lawful and as such no enforcement action can be taken against the work.

The same can be done for proposed work which will be carried out using permitted development rights. Applying for an LDC is optional but will help provide peace of mind that the work is valid, in particular if you are preparing to sell your property. It is not required if planning permission has been acquired.

The householder can apply for an LDC, if rejected and the changes have already taken place then you may be required to revert any alterations back to their original state or apply for retrospective planning permission. For more information on past developments read the ‘Retrospective approval⁶’ section.

Detailed information about LDCs including their price and the process is available in our ‘consent types’ section⁷.

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/responsibilities/planning-permission/permitted-development-rights
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/householder-planning-consent
3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/planning/about-the-planning-system/what-are-material-considerations
4. https://chooseev.com/carbon-reduction-calculator/
5. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/appeals/types-of-appeal/planning-appeals
6. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/responsibilities/planning-permission/retrospective-planning-permission
7. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/lawful-development-certificate