Solar Panels in Conservation Areas

Solar PV Panels in Waltham Forest Conservation Areas: 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 and conservation areas.

Solar PV panels can usually be installed without planning permission in Conservation Areas under national Permitted Development rights, subject to compliance with Part 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) ("the GPDO"). This includes installations on roof slopes facing a highway within Conservation Areas.


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 when no longer required.


Additional approvals are required in some circumstances:

  • Prior Approval is required for solar panels installed on a flat roof within a Conservation Area.

  • Planning permission is required for solar panels mounted on a wall facing a public highway within a Conservation Area.

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

This means that living in a Conservation Area 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.


Designing Solar Panels in Conservation Areas

Once you have established that your proposal benefits from Permitted Development rights, consideration should be given to how the installation can be integrated sensitively into the building and its surroundings. Applicants are encouraged to refer to Historic England's guidance on installing solar panels on historic buildings. A thoughtful approach to installation and its impact can help maximise renewable energy generation while preserving the character and appearance of Waltham Forest's historic buildings and Conservation Areas.


Further Guidance

Find further guidance here on solar energy generation and storage.

Solar PV Panels in Waltham Forest Conservation Areas: 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 and conservation areas.

Solar PV panels can usually be installed without planning permission in Conservation Areas under national Permitted Development rights, subject to compliance with Part 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) ("the GPDO"). This includes installations on roof slopes facing a highway within Conservation Areas.


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 when no longer required.


Additional approvals are required in some circumstances:

  • Prior Approval is required for solar panels installed on a flat roof within a Conservation Area.

  • Planning permission is required for solar panels mounted on a wall facing a public highway within a Conservation Area.

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

This means that living in a Conservation Area 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.


Designing Solar Panels in Conservation Areas

Once you have established that your proposal benefits from Permitted Development rights, consideration should be given to how the installation can be integrated sensitively into the building and its surroundings. Applicants are encouraged to refer to Historic England's guidance on installing solar panels on historic buildings. A thoughtful approach to installation and its impact can help maximise renewable energy generation while preserving the character and appearance of Waltham Forest's historic buildings and Conservation Areas.


Further Guidance

Find further guidance here on solar energy generation and storage.