Am I Permitted To Install Solar Panels On A Listed Building?

While most residences in the UK can install solar panels without planning permission because they are considered “permitted development,” listed properties stand as exceptions to this norm. 

If you are considering adding solar panels to the roof of your listed home or building, securing Listed Building Consent (LBC) from your local council is imperative before commencing any work. Failure to obtain LBC could result in significant fines or penalties. 

Additionally, it’s essential to recognise that even after obtaining LBC, you may still need to apply for planning permission. 

Before proceeding, visit the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) website website to confirm the official listing status of your property. 

To secure LBC, you will need to demonstrate that the proposed solar panels won’t compromise the building’s structural integrity or significantly alter its character or aesthetics. Planning authorities typically require assurance that the building will retain its original appearance if the panels are removed, ensuring no lasting damage or alteration to its essence. 

Here is a list of examples demonstrating what a listed building owner might need to prove when seeking LBC for installing solar panels: 

• Structural integrity assessment: Provide a structural engineer’s report assessing the roof’s capacity to support the additional weight of the solar panels without compromising its integrity. 
• Visual impact assessment: Conduct a visual impact assessment to demonstrate that the solar panels will be discreetly integrated into the roofscape, minimising visual intrusion, and preserving the building’s character and appearance. 
• Historical sensitivity evaluation: Present evidence showing sensitivity to the historical significance of the building, including its architectural style, materials, and any unique features, and how the proposed solar panels will respect and preserve these elements. 
• Comprehensive heritage statement: This should detail the importance of the listed building, its significance within the local context, and how the proposed solar panel installation will harmonise with and enhance its historic character. 
• Alternative placement options: Explore and present alternative placement options for the solar panels, such as ground-mounted or integrated systems, and justify why roof-mounted panels are the most suitable option without compromising the building’s integrity or appearance. 
• Mock-up or visual renderings: Provide mock-up or visual renderings illustrating the proposed solar panel installation within the context of the building’s roof, demonstrating how it will blend in seamlessly with the existing architecture. 
• Materials and design specifications: Specify the materials, colour, size, and design of the solar panels and mounting systems to ensure they complement the existing roof materials and architectural details, preserving the building’s aesthetic coherence. 
• Landscaping and screening plans: Propose landscaping or screening measures to mitigate any visual impact of the solar panels from public viewpoints, ensuring they remain sympathetic to the surrounding environment. 
• Community consultation: Engage with local community stakeholders, heritage organisations, and planning authorities to seek feedback and address any concerns regarding the proposed solar panel installation’s impact on the listed building and its surroundings. 
• Compliance with planning policies: Demonstrate compliance with relevant planning policies, guidelines, and regulations, including those related to heritage conservation, sustainable development, and energy efficiency, to strengthen the case for Listed Building Consent approval. 

There are lots of ways that solar panels can be unnoticeable when they are installed by a qualified professional who cares. For example, there may be an option to install in the garden on a ground mounted system, on the roof or wall of an outbuilding if they are not suitable for the roof of the listed building itself.  

HISTORIC ENGLAND HAVE MADE IT EVEN EASIER FOR LISTED BUILDING OWNERS TO GAIN APPROVAL 

In alignment with the government’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 goals, Historic England has taken strides to facilitate the approval of solar panels on listed buildings. Their initiative comes in the form of The Historic England Advice Note (HEAN), a comprehensive guide aimed at promoting energy efficiency in historic buildings through the installation of solar panels and heat pumps. By simplifying the planning process, this advice seeks to empower homeowners to make eco-friendly improvements to listed properties, thereby reducing carbon emissions. 

Key features of this simplified process include: 

• Clearer guidance: The Advice Note offers clear and concise guidance on the installation of solar panels on listed buildings, including best practices for preserving the building’s character and heritage while incorporating renewable energy technologies. 
• A streamlined application process outlining specific criteria and considerations that homeowners need to address when submitting applications for Listed Building Consent (LBC), streamlining the process by ensuring that all necessary information is provided upfront. 
• A standardised approach: By establishing standardised procedures and requirements, the Advice Note helps both homeowners and planning authorities understand what is expected in terms of preserving the historic fabric of the building while incorporating modern energy solutions. 
• Case studies and examples: The Note includes case studies and examples of successful solar panel installations on listed buildings, offering practical insights and demonstrating how such projects can be executed sensitively and effectively. 
• Expert advice: Historic England’s expertise in heritage conservation ensures that the advice provided is informed by best practices in preserving listed buildings’ historic significance while promoting sustainable development. 

Overall, the Historic England Advice Note is proving to be a valuable resource for homeowners, architects, and planning authorities, facilitating a smoother and more informed process for installing solar panels on listed buildings while safeguarding their heritage value.