EV Charging

Planning Permission for Home EV Chargers Scrapped in England

The Department for Transport confirmed on 29 May 2025 that most residential EV charger installations in England are now classed as permitted development — meaning no planning application is required for the majority of homeowners.

What changed?

Changes to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 now mean that installing an EV chargepoint on or within the curtilage of a dwelling house is permitted development, subject to certain size and placement conditions. This removes what was previously a barrier for many homeowners — especially those on visible driveways or with limited parking.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Planning permission may still be required for:

• Properties in conservation areas, AONBs or National Parks
• Listed buildings
• Certain height and placement restrictions (consult your installer)
• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — where different planning rules apply

Smart charger requirement — still in force

Regardless of planning, all new home EV chargers installed in England must include smart functionality under the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. Smart chargers must be capable of remotely adjusting charging based on grid demand and must log energy consumption data.

Does the installation still need a qualified electrician?

Yes — removing the planning requirement does not remove the electrical safety requirement. EV charger installation is notifiable work under Building Regulations Part P and must be carried out by a Part P-registered electrician who can self-certify, or notified to building control. The distribution network operator (DNO) must also be notified of every new charger.

What about the OZEV grant?

The EV Chargepoint Grant remains available in 2026 for flat-dwelling homeowners and renters (up to £350 toward installation costs). The previous EVHS homeowner grant for houses closed in 2022 and has not been reinstated.