Dartmoor National Park Authority

Micro-renewables: Is Permission Required?

Householders are now permitted to install some domestic scale renewable energy technologies, such as solar thermal and solar PV, in certain locations without the need for planning permission. However, the equipment must be sited to minimise the effect upon the amenity of the area and once the equipment is no longer needed it must be removed. All wind turbines and air source heat pumps will still require planning permission, as will the installation of any technology when it is not on or within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse. Any installation that involves works to a listed building will also require listed building consent.

The leaflet below offers advice on whether you will need planning permission for the works proposed, but you should seek advice from the DNPA Development Management Service prior to committing to have equipment installed or commencing works.

Installation of Domestic Microgeneration equipment   (PDF Help 22kb)

'If you are considering intalling a small micro-hydro power plant on your land, please read this introductory guidance:
Guidance to potential micro-hydropower developers   (PDF Help 850kb)

You can find more information on The Planning Portal (external link, opens in new window), which is the UK Government's online planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales.

Page updated 18 November 2009