PlanningLens

Solar Panels planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused

16,669 real decisions from 286 UK councils. See what actually gets approved, what gets refused, and why — so you don’t waste thousands on drawings for something your council will reject.

Last updated: September 2026

Category-level approval rates for these examples are currently withheld while we re-check how decisions are sorted into project types. Each decision below is a real record from the council’s own planning portal and links to it. Council-level approval rates are unaffected and remain on the council pages.
16,669
Decisions
14,520
Approved
2,149
Refused
286
Councils

Solar panels have the highest approval rate of any project type. Applications typically only require planning permission in conservation areas, on listed buildings, or where panels would face a highway.

⚠️ These are national examples. Your council could be stricter — or more lenient. See what actually gets approved on your street →

Real solar panels decisions

Real examples showing what works — and what gets refused. Use the filters to compare approved and refused applications.

Approved
Application Reference Number: DM/2023/01387Date of Decision: 01/04/2025Condition Number(s): 2Conditions(s) Removal:Amend materials from brickwork to render, artificial slate to roof, and provide solar panels to roof.
Monmouthshire · St Kingsmark · Fri 19 Dec 2025
Approved
Application for Listed Building Consent - Works to roof of lean-to extension. Remove existing Velux windows. Installation of solar pv. Installation of dormer.
Tendring · Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley · Wed 19 Aug 2026
Approved
Installation of external 1st floor door and formation of first floor roof terrace with railing. Installation of photovoltaic slates to existing single storey extension. Erection of outbuilding following the demolition of the existing outbuilding
Scarborough · Scalby And The Coast · Wed 03 Sep 2025
Refused
Erection of a first floor extension with monopitched roof, three rooflights and solar panels, single storey side and rear extensions, front/side porch, a platform lift and level access, alteration of roofs to monopitched, a carport attached to garage and alteration of garage roof to flat roof. Insta
Luton · LEAGRAVE · Tue 07 Apr 2026
Approved
PART DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DETACHED GARAGE AND REBUILT AS EXTENDED DETACHED DOUBLE GARAGE WITH ACCOMMODATION IN ROOF SPACE (ANCILLARY TO MAIN DWELLING & INCLUDING HOME OFFICE USE), AND NEW EXTERNAL ACCESS STAIR, AS WELL AS SOLAR PANEL...
Blaenau Gwent · Beaufort · 2025-09-08
Approved
Section 73 application for variation of condition 2 (in accordance with drawings) of planning permission ref 23/03522/FUL granted 26/04/2024 for Demolition of the existing building which contains a commercial unit on part of the ground floor, a 3-bedroom maisonette and a 1-bedroom flat. Erection of
Croydon · South Croydon · Mon 01 Jun 2026
Approved
Four Sycamore T1,T2, T3 & T4 - To section fell to ground level. Reason - To increase light to house and also to open up roof of log store for solar panels Two Sycamore T5 & T6 nearest drive - To remove Ivy on both trees to a height of 5m from ground level. To crown thin by 15%. On T6 there is a stem
Guildford · Pilgrims · Fri 18 Nov 2022
Refused
First floor extension over the existing garage, single storey rear extension and photovoltaic panels over the rear roof slopes (Amended 21.10.2025)
Gateshead · Dunston Hill And Whickham East · Fri 19 Dec 2025
22/00386/FUL
Refused
Full planning application for the part conversion of existing roof terrace to habitable room and installation of Photovoltaic panels to flat roof.
LLDC · 27/03/2023
Refused
Retrospective application for additional works to approved planning permission 19/00519/FUL. Additional work to include enlarged outbuilding to connect to extension, rooflight lantern to kitchen, solar panels on roof, wider garage door, and new front boundary walls and gates.
Oadby & Wigston · Oadby Grange Ward · Mon 06 Jul 2026
Refused
Certificate of Proposed lawful development Installation of 85 roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels (36.55 kWp) on a ballasted tilt-frame to the existing flat roof, with internally located inverter and internal DC cabling
Stoke-on-Trent · Hanley Park, Joiner's Square & Shelton · 2026-09-07
Refused
Installation of a stoned access track, manoeuvring area to front of agricultural building and timber restroom (retrospective), installation of solar panels to rear roof slope
Tamworth · 20-03-2024
Approved
Prior approval for installation of photovoltaic array to flat roof
Broads Authority · Beccles And Worlingham Ward · Mon 10 Jan 2022
Approved
Prior approval is sought for the installation of a Solar Photovoltaic Array comprising 138 panels and 1 inverter set across 4 out of 5 of the roof planes of the two-storey building (covering 276 sqm in area and generating 59Kw of renewable...
Wirral · Bebington · 2024-05-20
17/01037/CLP
Approved
Repositioning of Solar Panels and Installation of Velux Roof Windows to Front and Rear Elevations
North Lanarkshire · Cumbernauld East
Approved
NMA: condition 26 (PD rights) platform, CCTV and solar panels - N.05/20/214 M
Staffordshire · Keele, Knutton and Silverdale ED · 2023-11-13
Approved
26/00615/FUL - Non-Material Minor Amendment to allow for reduction in the number of PV solar panels from 15 to 12 with distribution amended to 10 on the main house roof and 2 on the rear southerly facing roof of the attached single storey side garage
Bedford · Bromham · Wed 17 Jun 2026
Approved
T1 Sycamore - Reduce crown by up to 3m. It blocks sunlight onto the neighbours garden and solar panels. This will reduce the volume of the tree without substantially changing it shape or stature
East Cambridgeshire · Bottisham · Fri 31 Jan 2025
Approved
Prior Approval for Installation of solar panels to flat roofs and associated equipment
Harrow · Stanmore · 2024-05-27
Approved
Application for Prior Approval under Schedule 2 Part 14 Class J of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for the installation of solar panels to the existing roof
Medway · Chatham Central Ward · Mon 09 Jan 2023
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Approved
Installation of Photovoltaic Panels on roof existing warehouse
Middlesbrough · 2022-09-21
2025/1035/PSP
Approved
Prior Approval installation of Solar Panels onto the existing roof.
Rutland · Oakham South Ward
Approved
Prior approval for installation of solar panels on roofs of two existing buildings.
St Helens · Peasley Cross & Fingerpost Ward · Tue 02 Jun 2026
Approved
Prior approval application for proposed installation of No. 299 solar photovoltaic panels and associated equipment on pitched roofs of hospital building (maximum output 125.58 kWp).
Oadby & Wigston · Oadby Grange Ward · Thu 20 Jun 2024
Approved
Demolition of existing garage, construction of replacement garage with carport and installation of rear rooflights. Retiling of main property roof and alteration to position of solar panels on rear roof slope.
Stockport · Bramhall North (Bram) · Thu 04 Jun 2026
Approved
New first floor extension on side of dwelling with solar panels on existing and proposed rear roof
Teignbridge · Kenn Valley · Wed 19 Aug 2026
Approved
Installation of 110no. Solar PV Array (48.4kWp) equipment on flat roofs of a non-domestic building (Wood Green Secondary School)
West Oxfordshire · Witney East · Mon 20 Jan 2025
Approved
Two Storey Side Extension To Light Industrial Unit (Storage, Office/Meeting Room) And The Installation Of Solar Panels To The Roof
Derby · Derwent Ward · Mon 11 Jun 2018
Approved
Prior Approval under Schedule 2, Part 14, Class J of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended) for the installation of a solar PV equipment on the roof (Block Building FOO) at University Hospital, Lewisham High Street SE13.
Lewisham · Rushey Green · Fri 22 May 2026
Approved
Erection of a single-storey rear extension, demolition of existing chimney, external and internal alteration including increase in roof height, alterations to fenestration, installation of rooflights, solar panels, and an air source heat pump.
Spelthorne · Shepperton Town · Mon 01 Jun 2026
Refused
Demolition of existing garage and associated outbuildings and proposed construction of two new dwellings with rooms in roof, including side dormers, solar panels and the re-alignment of gardens to number 6 & 8 Thynne Road.
Basildon · Billericay East · Fri 21 Nov 2025
Refused
CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT (S192) FOR THE PROPOSED ERECTION OF SOLAR PANELS TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AND 2 METRE HIGH SECURITY FENCING.
Bolton · Heaton And Lostock · Wed 21 Jan 2015
Refused
ERECTION OF TWO STOREY SIDE EXTENSION, REPLACEMENT ROOF TO CONSERVATORY, INSTALLATION OF ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR PANELS AND CHANGE OF USE TO 10 BEDROOM HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION TOGETHER WITH PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL CAR PARKING, CYCLE STORAGE AND BIN STORES
Gosport · Lee East · Thu 02 Apr 2026
Refused
HOUSEHOLDER: Install a Timber framed building to provide undercover parking and general household storage. On the rear (south side) of the roof install a 4.5kwh solar panel system
King's Lynn & West Norfolk · Massingham With Castle Acre · Thu 02 Apr 2026
Refused
Solar photovoltaic panels to roof. (Listed Building Consent).
Lincoln · Abbey · Fri 03 Nov 2023
Approved
Prior approval for proposed installation of solar PV panels to roof
Bury · Whitefield + Unsworth - Pilkington Park · Tue 01 Jul 2025
Approved
Erection of a two-storey rear extension to main building with solar panels on roof for use as office; retention of ancillary bed & breakfast accommodation and part retention of licenced space, change of use of remainder to multi-use business and local community hub (including office and flexible wor
North Somerset · Long Ashton · Thu 27 Feb 2025
22/00523/FUL
Approved
Installation of 28No. solar PV panels on roof of Community Centre.
Stirling · Ward 2 Forth & Endrick
Approved
To fit 60 solar pv panels to roof (referral from Carmarthenshire County Council)
Swansea · Not Available · Wed 25 May 2011
Approved
Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed: Installation of a 124kWp roof-mounted solar photovoltaic array comprising 192 solar panels fixed to the south facing existing metal overclad roof of the non-domestic building. The panels will be mounted on a proprietary rail syst
West Berkshire · Newbury Greenham · Tue 07 Apr 2026
Approved
Notification of installation of solar panels to roof of building
Leicester · Wycliffe · 2026-02-02
Approved
Prior Approval for the installation of Roof Mounted Solar PV Panels
Rugby · Coton & Boughton · 2022-11-01
Approved
The installation of a photovoltaic array comprising 32 No. photovoltaic panels on the south facing roof slope of the Masana Building, on land
Somerset · Mendip District · 2009-04-22
Approved
Internal and external remodelling and alterations to include new link corridor to wellness and swimming pool building to replace existing studio and triple car garages. Landscaping works and new photovoltaic array
Dartmoor NPA · Teignbridge
Approved
Application to determine if Prior Approval is required for a proposed Installation, Alteration or Replacement of other Solar Photovoltaics (PV) equipment on the Roofs of Non-domestic - Buildings The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) - Schedul
Harborough · Fleckney · Thu 31 Oct 2024
25/01220/DIS
Approved
Application for approval of details reserved by condition 5 (Details of solar panels) of listed building consent 25/00148/LBC for works.
Southampton · Bevois
Approved
PRIOR APPROVAL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS TO THE ROOF OF BUILDING
Bolton · Great Lever · Wed 22 Apr 2026
Approved
Installation of air source heat pump and roof mounted solar PV array
Powys · Glasbury ED · Thu 09 Dec 2021
Refused
Non-material amendment to 22/00089/FUL to increase the height, create additional openings, create outside pen, alterations to size and position of roller shutter door, change of material to roof and installation of solar panels on roof
Broxtowe · Stapleford South East · Tue 21 Jan 2025
24/01135/DPAR
Refused
Determination under Schedule 2, Part 14, Class J of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 as to whether prior approval is required for the installation of Photovoltaic Panels on the roof of the building.
City of London · TW · 17/12/2024
Prior Approval Application for the installation of solar panels to the roof.
Coventry · Longford
Installation of 575.6kWp of solar photovoltaic panels and ancillary equipment on the east and west facing roof pitches of the building.
Harlow · Not Available · Fri 08 Sep 2023
Refused
Proposed demolition of existing annex and erection of two storey annex and two storey gym, and proposed installation of solar panels on the existing stable/barn
Hartlepool · 2022-11-23
Refused
Demolition of single storey extension to rear; construction of two storey extension at rear; dormer to side; installation of solar panels to side and rear of medical centre (Class E)
Leicester · Fosse · 2026-02-05
Refused
Works to install solar panels to south-facing pitch of the tiled cart barn roof
North Norfolk · Erpingham · Fri 18 Jul 2025
EIA Screening Opinion request for ground mounted solar photovoltaics, native tree planting and biodiversity enhancements.
Craven · Wharfedale · Wed 03 Dec 2025
Approved
Development of 25MW solar farm with associated infrastructure, including substation, solar PV transformers, CCTV, security fencing, internal access tracks.
Inverclyde · Ward 2 - Inverclyde East Central · Wed 02 Sep 2026
Approved
Provision of photovoltaic solar park and ancillary infrastructure
Torfaen · Not Applicable · Tue 03 Jun 2014
Approved
Felling of 1 no. Acer campestre to allow light to other trees and shrubs, neighbouring property and solar panels.
Uttlesford · Littlebury, Chesterford And Wendens Loft · Thu 29 Jan 2026
Approved
Installation of Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System
Falkirk · Falkirk North · Fri 13 Oct 2023

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