At the end of May 2025 there were some changes to the Permitted Development rights under town planning legislation. Permitted development rights allow certain improvement works or extension of homes without the need to apply for planning permission. There are two areas where these new changes apply – heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers. These changes are both part of the governments programme to reach net zero.

Prior to these changes property owners retrofitting heat pumps were required to apply for planning consent in certain situations. These included the location of the heat pump and the number required for a particular property. There were various conditions that had to be met for a heat pump to be allowed within permitted development. These requirements have now been relaxed. There is more information about heat pumps on the renewables page.

The rules on EV chargers – both public and private – have also been relaxed. This will make it easier to install chargers in off-road parking areas, because there will no longer be a ban to installing them facing onto, or within 2m of a highway. One of the main problems for EV owners is for those living in houses with no driveway. Running a charger cable over a pavement is not possible. There are now products available that can be set into the pavement so that the cable is concealed and not a trip hazard. The Energy Saving Trust has articles about this. These are being rolled out in some areas, but currently not all local authorities accept them. Somerset Council is helping by providing chargers in car parks, supermarkets and visitor destinations etc. Electric vehicle charger locations are shown on the Zap-Map app.

As with all planning legislation, there are always certain situation where consultation with the planning authority is wise before proceeding. These changes will make a difference in many situations. However, conservation areas and listed buildings will often reduce what is allowed under permitted development rights.