Renewable energy is an essential part of building a sustainable future, and installing solar equipment on buildings is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. In England, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (GPDO) outlines specific regulations under Part 14, Class J, governing the installation of solar equipment on non-domestic premises. This guide simplifies the key details you need to know.

What Is Permitted Under Class J?

Class J allows for the installation, alteration, or replacement of solar equipment on non-domestic buildings, provided it meets certain criteria. The types of solar equipment included are:

1. Microgeneration solar thermal equipment (used for heating water).
2. Microgeneration solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment (used for generating electricity).
3. Other solar PV equipment installed on a building’s roof.

Importantly, Class J does not apply to residential properties such as dwelling houses or blocks of flats.

When Development Is Not Permitted

While Class J provides generous allowances, there are specific limitations. Development is not permitted if:

1. Roof Protrusion:
   • On pitched roofs, the solar equipment protrudes more than 0.2 metres beyond the plane of the roof slope.
   • On flat roofs, the solar equipment is installed higher than 1 metre above the roof’s highest point (excluding chimneys).
2. Proximity to Roof Edges: The equipment is installed within 1 metre of the external edge of the roof.
3. Heritage and Protected Sites:
   • The building is designated as a listed building or is within the curtilage of one.
   • The building is on a site designated as a scheduled monument.

Conditions for Class J Development

To ensure installations under Class J maintain aesthetic and functional integrity, the following conditions must be met:

1. Minimising Impact:
   • Solar equipment must be installed in a way that minimises its effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area.
2. Removal When Redundant:
   • When solar equipment is no longer needed, it must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable.
3. Additional Steps for Roof-Mounted Solar PV (Class J(c)):
   Before starting development, the developer must seek prior approval from the local planning authority (LPA) if the installation involves roof-mounted PV equipment.

The Process for Prior Approval

If prior approval is required, developers must submit the following to the LPA:

• A written description of the proposed development.
• A site plan showing the building and installation details.
• The developer’s contact details (address and email).
• Any applicable fees.

The  Local Authority evaluates applications to ensure compliance with Class J, particularly regarding the design and potential glare impacts on neighbouring properties.

Timeline for Approval

The LPA must respond to the developer within 56 days from receiving the application. Development can begin if:

• Approval is explicitly granted.
• Approval is deemed unnecessary.
• The 56-day period lapses without a response.

If prior approval is granted, development must adhere to the approved details unless changes are mutually agreed upon in writing.

Conclusion

Class J of the GPDO 2015 provides a streamlined process for installing solar equipment on non-domestic buildings, enabling businesses and organizations to contribute to renewable energy goals with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. However, adhering to the detailed limitations and conditions is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid delays.

As solar technology continues to evolve, this framework supports England’s shift toward sustainable energy use while balancing environmental, aesthetic, and community considerations.

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