Government drops EV charger planning permission rules

The UK Government has scrapped the need for planning permission to install EV charge points.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, confirmed that from May 29, homeowners and businesses will no longer need to submit a planning application to install public or private EV sockets.

She said that by cutting red tape the Government hoped to speed up the roll-out of chargers around the UK and ensure it hit the target of having 300,000 devices installed by 2030.

Announcing the change, she 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.

“We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3 billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals – creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future as part of our Plan for Change.”

Private homeowners with off-street parking could already install a home charger without planning permission but the changes means companies will now be able to install workplace chargers and larger public sites without months of administration.

The changes include sites where new infrastructure, including power substations, is required and are expected to accelerate the installation of charging hubs with multiple high-powered devices.

Lewis Gardiner, operations director at Osprey Charging Network 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.”