Government aims to ease EV charger installation by adjusting planning rules

The UK Government has announced rule changes designed to make it easier to install EV chargers at homes and workplaces.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said that from today (Thursday, 29 May) more drivers and businesses would no longer need to submit a planning application to install public or private EV sockets.

The changes broaden previous permitted development rights enabling chargepoints to be installed without planning permission.

Amendments include: removing the limitation that off-street outlets and upstands for chargers could not be installed within two metres of a highway; allowing off-street electrical upstands up to a height of 2.7 metres where not within the curtilage of a house or block of flats; and allowing equipment to be installed within the ground level of a non-domestic area used for off-street parking.

Greenwood said: “We’re cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution, so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from, and less red tape to deal with.”

Reacting to the announcement, Osprey Charging Network operations director Lewis Gardiner said: “This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground.

“Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs, and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need.

“It’s the result of months of collaboration between industry and Government, and we’re proud to have played a key role in making it happen.”

AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: “With a target of 300,000 publicly available chargers by 2030, government should be doing all it can to help reach this milestone. Removing the planning rules is a positive step and will help accelerate installations. 

“The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking.”