What are the planning implications around installing energy saving measures on commercial buildings?
Ruth Gunton, senior planner at Cheffins, responds: “With 2027 set as the date for commercial properties to need to meet the EPC C-rating, and 2030 for the B- rating, now could be a good time to consider what investments could be made to improve energy efficiency of commercial property and even to introduce renewable energy.
“Climate change is a hot topic on the government agenda at both national and local level and it is considered that renewable energy is one of the most effective tools to tackle this. Most local authorities in the UK that have up to date local plans will have planning policies that require new development whether that is commercial or residential to minimise carbon emissions and incorporate renewable energy technologies within their proposals.
“If you are looking to install renewable technologies on existing buildings (for example solar panels, ground source heat pumps, biomass heating, electric vehicle charging points) these can be installed under permitted development under Part 14 and under Part 2 of the Town and County Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended.
“There are certain criteria and conditions that need to be met to undertake work under permitted development but fundamentally this is a more straightforward and quicker route than a full planning application. If you require comfort from the local planning authority that the works you intend to carry out are lawful, you can apply for a lawful development certificate of proposed use.
“It is important to be aware that in some cases permitted development rights may have been removed by the local planning authority through a condition on an extant planning permission or another legislative means called an article 4 direction. permitted development rights may also not apply or be applied in a more restricted way to a property if, for example, it is listed or in a conservation area.
“Whilst investment might be costly, there is also money to be saved and made. A new solar taskforce set up by the government has highlighted the untapped potential of commercial buildings that could revolutionise UK solar power and to drive further growth as part of Powering Up Britain. Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK and co-chair of the taskforce, said: ‘Installing rooftop solar power, whether at residential or commercial scale, is one of the best investments available, offering dramatic savings on energy bills and the opportunity to be paid for sending excess power to the grid. The benefits can also be greatly enhanced by adding a battery storage system.’
“We have yet to see a big uptake in solar PV on commercial property in the private sector, however in the public sector we are seeing a clear plan of installing panels on properties they own, then selling the energy to tenants at a lower rate than the national grid – a win-win situation.
“If you are considering renewable energy options for a property, we advise speaking to a local, professional planning consultant at an early stage, so that they can advise you what options exist for a particular site. Even if PD works are not possible, local and national planning policy promotes sustainability so should be supportive in principle, and a good planning consultant can help prepare a policy-compliant planning application.”
