Solar Panels on Flats and Maisonettes

Solar PV Panels on Flats and Maisonettes: What You Need to Know

Waltham Forest Council supports the installation of solar energy technologies as part of the borough's response to the climate emergency. The Council's guidance on Solar Panels within the Residential Alterations and Retrofit SPD (Section 9.5) provides advice on installing solar panels in a way that respects the character of buildings.

Many flats and maisonettes, including Waltham Forest's distinctive Warner and Abraham properties, can accommodate solar PV panels. Although these buildings often resemble traditional houses, they typically comprise separate self-contained dwellings. This means they are generally treated differently to a single dwellinghouse for the purposes of the GPDO, and different Permitted Development rights may apply.

In many cases, solar PV panels can be installed without planning permission on these properties, subject to compliance with Part 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) ("the GPDO").


Under the GPDO, solar panels must:

  • Not project more than 0.2 metres beyond the plane of a wall or pitched roof slope.

  • Not be higher than the highest part of a pitched roof (excluding chimneys).

  • Not project more than 0.6 metres above the highest part of a flat roof.

  • Be sited, so far as practicable, to minimise their effect on the appearance of the building.

  • Be sited, so far as practicable, to minimise their effect on the amenity of the area.

  • Be removed as soon as reasonably practicable when no longer required.


Additional approvals are required in some circumstances:

  • Properties within Conservation Areas may be subject to additional planning controls.

  • Article 4 Directions may restrict Permitted Development rights in some locations.

  • Listed Buildings and buildings within their curtilage are subject to separate controls, and Listed Building Consent and/or planning permission may be required.

Planning requirements are only one consideration. Many Warner, Abraham and other maisonette properties have shared roofs, leasehold arrangements, freeholder interests or management agreements. Even where planning permission is not required, homeowners may still need permission from a neighbour, freeholder or management company before carrying out works affecting a shared structure.

This means that living in a flat or maisonette does not automatically prevent the installation of solar panels. Many household solar projects can proceed without planning permission, helping residents generate renewable energy while supporting the borough's sustainability objectives. However, homeowners should also consider any legal agreements affecting the property before proceeding with an installation.


Further Guidance

Find further guidance here on solar energy generation and storage.

Solar PV Panels on Flats and Maisonettes: What You Need to Know

Waltham Forest Council supports the installation of solar energy technologies as part of the borough's response to the climate emergency. The Council's guidance on Solar Panels within the Residential Alterations and Retrofit SPD (Section 9.5) provides advice on installing solar panels in a way that respects the character of buildings.

Many flats and maisonettes, including Waltham Forest's distinctive Warner and Abraham properties, can accommodate solar PV panels. Although these buildings often resemble traditional houses, they typically comprise separate self-contained dwellings. This means they are generally treated differently to a single dwellinghouse for the purposes of the GPDO, and different Permitted Development rights may apply.

In many cases, solar PV panels can be installed without planning permission on these properties, subject to compliance with Part 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) ("the GPDO").


Under the GPDO, solar panels must:

  • Not project more than 0.2 metres beyond the plane of a wall or pitched roof slope.

  • Not be higher than the highest part of a pitched roof (excluding chimneys).

  • Not project more than 0.6 metres above the highest part of a flat roof.

  • Be sited, so far as practicable, to minimise their effect on the appearance of the building.

  • Be sited, so far as practicable, to minimise their effect on the amenity of the area.

  • Be removed as soon as reasonably practicable when no longer required.


Additional approvals are required in some circumstances:

  • Properties within Conservation Areas may be subject to additional planning controls.

  • Article 4 Directions may restrict Permitted Development rights in some locations.

  • Listed Buildings and buildings within their curtilage are subject to separate controls, and Listed Building Consent and/or planning permission may be required.

Planning requirements are only one consideration. Many Warner, Abraham and other maisonette properties have shared roofs, leasehold arrangements, freeholder interests or management agreements. Even where planning permission is not required, homeowners may still need permission from a neighbour, freeholder or management company before carrying out works affecting a shared structure.

This means that living in a flat or maisonette does not automatically prevent the installation of solar panels. Many household solar projects can proceed without planning permission, helping residents generate renewable energy while supporting the borough's sustainability objectives. However, homeowners should also consider any legal agreements affecting the property before proceeding with an installation.


Further Guidance

Find further guidance here on solar energy generation and storage.