For most UK homes, installing rooftop solar PV doesn't need planning permission - it's covered by "permitted development rights" under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (Part 14, Schedule 2). But "most" isn't "all". Listed buildings, conservation areas, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), large ground-mounted systems, and unusual roof configurations can all trigger a full planning application. In Cornwall in particular, around 27% of the county is now within the Cornwall National Landscape (the former Cornwall AONB), so the question matters more here than most places.
Quick decision flowchart
| Your situation | Planning needed? |
|---|---|
| Standard pitched roof, panels flush, not a listed/conservation/AONB property | No - permitted development |
| Conservation area, panels on front elevation (visible from highway) | Often yes |
| Conservation area, panels on rear elevation (not visible) | Usually no |
| National Landscape (AONB) - rear roof slope | Usually no |
| National Landscape (AONB) - front elevation visible | Often yes |
| Listed building - any rooftop or curtilage installation | YES - Listed Building Consent required |
| Ground-mounted, under 9 m² total array area | No (one such installation per curtilage) |
| Ground-mounted, over 9 m² total array | Yes - full planning |
| Panels protruding more than 200mm above roof | Yes |
| Panels above the ridge line (excluding chimney) | Yes |
| Flat roof installation, panels within 1m of roof edge | Yes |
| Solar canopy on non-domestic car park (Class OA, since Dec 2023) | Prior approval, not full planning |
The permitted development rules in detail
Domestic solar PV is covered by Class A of Part 14, Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 (as amended). The key restrictions:
- Panels must not protrude more than 200mm beyond the roof plane - rules out tilt-frames on shallow roofs in some cases
- Panels must not extend above the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney)
- On flat roofs, panels must be at least 1m from the roof edge and not project more than 1m above the roof surface
- Ground-mounted systems: only one per curtilage, must be under 9 m² total array area, not more than 4m tall, and at least 5m from the property boundary
- Equipment must be removed when no longer needed for solar generation
- Listed buildings, conservation areas, National Landscapes (AONBs), and World Heritage Sites have additional restrictions
Conservation areas - the Cornwall reality
Conservation areas in Cornwall cover much of historic Truro, Falmouth, Penzance, St Ives, Mevagissey, Padstow, Mousehole, Polperro, Fowey, Lostwithiel, and many more. The default is that panels on roof slopes facing a highway require planning permission. Rear elevations - hidden from public view - generally don't.
In practice this means many Cornwall installations need a "permission in principle" check before the installer surveys. Cornwall Council's planning team can usually give an informal pre-application view in 1-2 weeks. Formal planning permission, where required, takes 8-13 weeks and costs around £206 for householder applications.
National Landscape (AONB) rules - Cornwall's big one
What used to be "AONB" is now "National Landscape" (the formal name change took effect from late 2023). Cornwall has three relevant designations:
- Cornwall National Landscape - 12 distinct sections, mostly coastline plus Bodmin Moor. Covers around 958 km², 27% of the county
- Tamar Valley National Landscape - straddles the Cornwall/Devon border
- Isles of Scilly - separate AONB designation
Within these areas, the permitted development rights for solar panels still apply broadly the same as elsewhere. But there are specific add-on rules:
- Ground-mounted systems generally require planning permission within National Landscapes - the permitted development right is more constrained
- Visual impact is more strongly weighted in any required planning decision
- Front elevation installations are more likely to require permission than equivalents outside the designation
- Cornwall Council may apply Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights in particularly sensitive parts of the National Landscape
In practice: if you're rural Cornwall - say a smallholding near Polzeath, Boscastle, the Lizard, or anywhere along the Coast Path - assume you'll need an informal pre-app discussion before installing visible solar.
Listed buildings - always need consent
Any change to a listed building's external appearance needs Listed Building Consent, regardless of permitted development. This applies to all grades (I, II*, II) and to anything within the listed curtilage (outbuildings, walls, gateposts that might be in scope).
Historic England's current position is supportive - they've publicly stated that mitigating climate change and conserving historic buildings are compatible goals. But the application process is real: typically 6-8 weeks to determination, requires drawings, a heritage statement, and a justification of "minimum intervention" and "reversibility". Around 60-70% of Cornwall listed building applications for solar succeed when designed sympathetically. Read our detailed listed building solar guide.
Practical permitted development confirmation
"Permitted development" doesn't mean "no paperwork". You should still:
- Check whether your property is in a conservation area, AONB, or listed - search the Cornwall Council planning portal at cornwall.gov.uk/planning or use the national MAGIC map service
- Get a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) if you want written certainty before selling later - £103 for householder LDC, takes 6-8 weeks
- Notify your DNO (G98 or G99 application) - this is electrical network notification, not planning, but it's compulsory
- Building Regulations sign-off via the installer's competent person scheme (electrical safety, structural)
Solar canopies and car ports (Class OA, since 2023)
From 21 December 2023, a new Class OA added solar canopy permitted development for non-domestic off-street parking. Key limits: not taller than 4m, must be at least 10m from the curtilage of a dwelling, and must apply via "prior approval" process (a lighter touch than full planning). Useful for hotels, holiday parks, business parks, and supermarkets considering solar carports.
Common Cornwall-specific gotchas
- Granite cottages with thatched neighbours - many Cornish villages have grouped historic buildings. Even if yours isn't listed, the neighbour might be, and your panels might affect their setting
- Mining heritage sites - parts of the World Heritage Site (Camborne, Redruth, St Just, etc.) have stricter visual rules
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - Bodmin Moor is largely SSSI; ground-mount solar generally won't get permission
- Coastal change management areas - some erosion-risk coastal locations restrict permanent structures
- Article 4 directions - Cornwall Council has applied these in pockets to remove permitted development rights for specific changes; check before assuming you're covered
Costs and timelines summary
| Process | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted development install (no application) | £0 (planning); install cost only | None - proceed |
| Pre-application advice (informal) | £0-£100 | 2-3 weeks |
| Householder planning application | £206 (2026 rate) | 8-13 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate | £103 | 6-8 weeks |
| Listed Building Consent | £0 (no fee, separate from planning) | 6-10 weeks |
| Class OA solar canopy prior approval | £120 | 8 weeks |
How to find out about your property
- Use Cornwall Council's planning map (cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control) to check conservation area and Article 4 status
- Use Historic England's National Heritage List (historicengland.org.uk/listing) to confirm listed status
- Use Natural England's MAGIC map (magic.defra.gov.uk) for National Landscape (AONB), SSSI, and other natural designations
- Speak to your installer - reputable MCS-certified installers in Cornwall know the local quirks and routinely handle planning applications. See our MCS guide
Need vetted Cornwall installers who handle planning applications? Submit your postcode - we'll connect you with experienced local pros.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Usually no - most UK domestic rooftop solar is permitted development. Listed buildings always need Listed Building Consent. Conservation areas, National Landscapes (AONBs), and large ground-mount systems often need planning permission.
What's the difference between permitted development and planning permission?
Permitted development is a national right granted under the General Permitted Development Order 2015 - you can proceed without applying. Planning permission requires a formal application to the local authority (Cornwall Council here), with fees and timelines.
Are panels allowed in a conservation area?
Yes, with restrictions. Panels on rear elevations not visible from the highway usually fall within permitted development. Front-facing or visible panels generally need planning permission. Pre-application discussion with Cornwall Council is the safe first step.
Can I install solar panels in a National Landscape (AONB)?
Yes, rooftop installations are usually possible. Cornwall has 27% of its area in National Landscapes - rear-elevation rooftop solar is generally OK; front-facing or ground-mounted typically needs planning permission.
What about listed buildings?
Always need Listed Building Consent - no permitted development right applies. Cornwall has around 12,000 listed buildings. Historic England now actively supports solar where designed sympathetically, but every case is individual.
Do ground-mounted solar systems need planning permission?
Under 9 m² total array area, one per curtilage, more than 5m from boundary, under 4m tall: covered by permitted development. Above any of those limits: full planning required.
How long does solar planning permission take in Cornwall?
Householder applications typically determine in 8-13 weeks. Listed Building Consent 6-10 weeks. Pre-application advice 2-3 weeks. Most Cornwall applications get approved; visible front-elevation installations on conservation area properties have a lower hit rate.
What's an Article 4 direction?
A local removal of national permitted development rights in specific areas. Cornwall Council has applied a few - check the council's planning portal for your address. Where Article 4 applies, planning permission is required even for things that would otherwise be permitted development.
Are battery storage installations covered by planning rules?
Indoor batteries: no planning issue. Outdoor wall-mounted: usually covered by permitted development for ancillary domestic equipment unless visible in conservation area / AONB. Dedicated outbuildings for batteries may need permission.
What if I install without permission and shouldn't have?
Cornwall Council can issue an enforcement notice requiring removal. Retrospective planning applications are possible (and often succeed for solar) but cost more in stress and fees than getting it right upfront. Always check first.