Permitted Development for Farm Solar

Most solar installations on UK farm buildings do not require planning permission. Permitted development rights under the GPDO 2015 allow agricultural buildings to add solar panels without a formal planning application, subject to conditions. This guide explains the rules, exceptions, and how we handle planning for every project.

Permitted Development Conditions Checklist

To qualify for permitted development under Part 14, Schedule 2 of the GPDO 2015, your installation must meet all of the following conditions. Items marked with a warning indicate restrictions that may require a planning application.

Designated Areas and Special Restrictions

Several designated landscape and heritage areas impose additional conditions on agricultural permitted development rights.

Examples:

Our Planning Service

We handle all planning considerations as part of every solar project at no additional cost:

Planning Success Rate

Where planning applications are required for agricultural solar, approval rates are typically 90%+. Solar panels on existing agricultural buildings are strongly supported by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which gives significant weight to renewable energy generation. We have never had a farm solar application refused.

Planning Permission FAQs

Get Your Free Planning Assessment

Related Guides

Highlights

• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• Prior approval from the LPA may be required for solar on agricultural buildings. The authority assesses the visual impact on the AONB landscape. Most roof-mounted systems on existing buildings are approved, especially when not visible from public viewpoints.
• Cotswolds, Malvern Hills, Chilterns, Shropshire Hills, Dorset, North Devon
• National Parks
• Similar restrictions to AONB. National Park authorities are the planning authority and may require prior notification. Policy varies between parks. Many support renewable energy on existing agricultural buildings.
• Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Dartmoor, Snowdonia
• Conservation Areas
• Panels visible from a highway or public place may require planning permission. Installations on non-visible roof slopes often qualify for PD rights. Article 4 directions in some areas remove PD rights entirely.
• Village centres, historic farmsteads, estate villages

• PD eligibility assessment during initial survey
• Confirmation of holding size and agricultural use
• Conservation area and AONB boundary checks
• Listed building status verification
• Prior notification submissions where required
• Full planning applications when PD does not apply
• Liaison with LPA officers throughout the process