Before You Get Started on Generating Energy in a Historic Building

When considering any improvements to your traditional property, check whether you need planning permission.

Abiding by planning regulations rests with the property owner, so even if your renewable energy installer provides guidance on this, we always recommend double checking this yourself.

Many small-scale renewable systems are covered by permitted development rights meaning they won’t require planning permission.

You should read the above linked guidance carefully before committing to an installation, especially as these are occasionally updated by government.

If you live in a listed building or conservation area, you may need additional listed building or conservation area consent.

And for some renewable technologies, like micro-turbines, you may also need to consider other restrictions including sites of scientific or archaeological interest.

Finally, it’s worth emphasising a couple of key points when it comes to planning.

Firstly, if in doubt, request guidance from the planning authority. It’s better to ask questions and perhaps apply for permission now than to end up in a difficult situation later due to an incorrect assumption.

Secondly, if your proposed renewable system isn’t covered by permitted development rights, don’t despair.

Thanks to Scottish Government and local authority policy emphasis on achieving net zero, microgeneration systems tend to be more likely to receive permission now than they once were.