Do I need planning permission for solar panels on my factory roof?

Most factory rooftop solar installations qualify as Permitted Development and do not require planning permission, provided they meet certain criteria including not protruding more than 200mm from the roof surface and not projecting above the highest part of the roof.

What if my factory is in a conservation area?

In conservation areas, solar panels on the principal elevation or on a wall or roof slope fronting a highway may require planning permission. Panels on rear or non-visible roof slopes typically remain permitted development.

Do ground-mounted solar panels need planning permission?

Ground-mounted solar installations have more limited permitted development rights. Arrays exceeding 9 square metres require planning permission for non-domestic properties, as do installations within 5 metres of the property boundary.

Factory Solar Panel Planning Permission UK: Complete 2025 Guide

Understanding planning requirements is essential for project timelines and budgeting. This guide explains exactly when planning permission is and isn't required for solar panels for factories, and how to navigate the process if you do need approval.

Permitted Development Rights for Industrial Solar

Permitted Development (PD) rights allow certain types of development without a formal planning application. For commercial and industrial buildings, solar panel installations typically fall under Part 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

Criteria for Permitted Development

Your factory rooftop solar installation qualifies as Permitted Development if ALL of the following conditions are met:

Permitted Development Criteria (Rooftop)

1. Protrusion limit: Solar panels do not protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface (or plane of slope)
2. Height limit: Installation does not project above the highest point of the roof (excluding chimneys)
3. Not in conservation area: Building is not within a designated conservation area, or if it is, panels are not on principal elevation or visible from highway
4. Not a listed building: The building is not a listed building or scheduled monument
5. Not in World Heritage Site: Building is not within a World Heritage Site (with visibility restrictions)
6. Removal condition: Equipment will be removed when no longer needed for energy generation

Most factory and warehouse buildings meet all these criteria, allowing immediate project progression without planning delays.

The 200mm Rule Explained

The 200mm protrusion limit is measured perpendicular to the roof surface. Modern mounting systems and panels easily comply:

Standard flush-mounted panels: 50-100mm total protrusion
Tilted flat-roof systems: 150-180mm at highest point
Ballasted systems: Under 200mm when properly designed

When Planning Permission IS Required

Certain situations require formal planning permission. Understanding these helps avoid project delays.

Situations Requiring Planning Permission

Listed buildings: All solar installations on listed buildings require Listed Building Consent
Scheduled monuments: Scheduled Monument Consent required
Conservation areas (visible installations): Panels on principal elevation or facing highway
Ground-mounted systems over 9m²: Or within 5m of property boundary
Systems exceeding 200mm protrusion: If mounting system requires greater height
Panels above roofline: Any installation projecting above highest roof point
Article 4 directions: Local authority may have removed PD rights

Listed Buildings

If your factory is in a listed building (Grade I, II*, or II), you need Listed Building Consent for any solar installation. This applies even to rear or non-visible elevations.

However, listed building consent can be granted. Heritage authorities are increasingly supportive of sensitively designed solar installations, particularly on non-historic roof additions or outbuildings.

Conservation Areas

In conservation areas, the rules are nuanced:

Still Permitted Development

Panels on rear roof slopes
Panels not visible from highway
Panels not on principal elevation
Flat roof installations (generally)

Planning Permission Required

Panels on principal (front) elevation
Panels on roof slope facing highway
Panels visible from public areas
Wall-mounted panels on front elevation

Ground-Mounted Solar

Ground-mounted solar arrays have more restricted Permitted Development rights for non-domestic properties:

Arrays over 9m²: Require planning permission
Within 5m of boundary: Require planning permission
Above 4m height: Require planning permission
Within curtilage of listed building: Require planning permission

For larger ground-mounted arrays (common in industrial settings with available land), planning permission is almost always required. These applications are generally straightforward for industrial sites with appropriate screening.

The Planning Application Process

If your project does require planning permission, here's what to expect:

Pre-Application Advice (Optional)

Most councils offer pre-application advice (fee: £100-500). This provides early feedback on likely success and any concerns. Recommended for listed buildings or sensitive locations.

Application Preparation

Submit via Planning Portal or local authority. Required documents typically include: application form, site location plan, block plan, design and access statement, panel specifications, visual impact assessment (if in sensitive area).

Application Fee

Current fees (England 2025): £293 for alterations to commercial buildings. Listed Building Consent applications have no fee.

Determination Period

Standard applications: 8 weeks. Listed Building Consent: 8 weeks. Applications in conservation areas may require consultation with heritage bodies, potentially extending timelines.

Decision

Approval may include conditions (e.g., specific panel colour, removal upon decommissioning). Refusals can be appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

Planning Approval Success Rates

When planning permission is required, approval rates for commercial/industrial solar are high:

Typical Approval Rates

Standard industrial rooftop: 95%+ approval rate
Conservation area (rear/non-visible): 90%+ approval rate
Ground-mounted on industrial land: 85%+ approval rate
Listed buildings: 60-70% (depends on significance and sensitivity)

The government actively encourages renewable energy deployment. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that local planning authorities should "approve applications for renewable energy projects if the impacts are acceptable."

Other Regulatory Requirements (Not Planning)

Even when planning permission isn't required, other regulatory approvals may be needed:

Building Regulations

Solar installations must comply with Building Regulations (particularly Part A - structural safety, and Part P - electrical safety). A competent installer handles this through self-certification schemes.

DNO Grid Connection

Separate from planning, you need Distribution Network Operator approval for grid connection. This is a technical approval, not planning. See our installation process guide for details.

MCS Certification

For systems under 1MW, MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) installation is required to access Smart Export Guarantee payments and certain grants.

Structural Survey

A structural engineer's assessment confirms roof capability. Required for insurance and safety compliance. Learn more in our roof weight load guide.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Permitted Development rules vary slightly across UK nations:

Nation	Key Differences	Legislation
England	As described above	GPDO 2015, Part 14
Scotland	Similar PD rights; some variations for traditional buildings	GPDO (Scotland) 1992
Wales	Generally aligned with England; slightly different ground-mount rules	GPDO (Wales) 2012
Northern Ireland	More limited PD; some projects need planning	Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (NI) 2015

We conduct jurisdiction-specific assessments for all projects across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notify anyone if planning isn't required?

No formal notification is required for Permitted Development. However, your installer will handle Building Regulations compliance and DNO notification as part of the installation process.

Can the council remove Permitted Development rights?

Yes, through Article 4 directions. These are rare for commercial properties but exist in some sensitive areas. Your local planning portal lists any Article 4 directions in your area.

What about solar on industrial estates with design covenants?

Private covenants (landlord or estate management rules) are separate from planning law. Check your lease and estate regulations. Most modern industrial estates permit solar, but older covenants may need negotiation.

How long does a planning application take?

Standard applications: 8 weeks determination target. Complex applications or those requiring heritage consultation may take 13 weeks. Delays can occur if additional information is requested.

What if planning is refused?

You can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Alternatively, revised schemes addressing the reasons for refusal often succeed on resubmission. For industrial solar, outright refusals are uncommon.

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