Government scraps planning permission for cross-pavement EV charging
Ministers say removing the planning requirement cuts installation costs by up to £300 for drivers without driveways, though council authorisation is still needed. Two consultations on charging access for renters and chargers in new buildings were also announced.
The Government has removed the need for planning permission before cross-pavement EV charging can be installed, with effect from 21 October 2026, Fleet News reports. Local authorities must still grant authorisation for each installation. The change is intended to make home charging easier to access for drivers without driveways.
Ministers say the change will cut the cost of installing cross-pavement charging by up to £300. Simon Lightwood, minister for buses and local transport, said: "We’re saving drivers up to £300 off the cost of installing home charging by cutting unnecessary red tape."
Changes to permitted development rights are also said to make it quicker and cheaper for charge point operators to install larger, higher-powered public charging hubs.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said residents will still need authorisation from their council, which will consider underground utilities, "making sure that an EV gully doesn't interfere with gas, electricity, water or telecoms infrastructure", and whether the installation would hinder others. He added that there is no guarantee of being able to park in front of one's own home within reach of the charging cable.
Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, said that "for someone without a driveway, it could make the difference between being able to afford an electric car and ruling one out altogether."
Consultations on renters and new buildings
Alongside the planning change, the Government announced two consultations: one on home charging and one on ensuring new buildings are equipped with chargers. Under the first, it says clear guidance could be given to landlords on the charger installation process to help tenants and leaseholders, and it is considering mandatory requirements that would make it harder for landlords and freeholders to refuse renters' applications.
The Government also says building regulations could be updated so that charge points are installed in new and refurbished covered car parks.
Sources
Fleet NewsHow THRIVE sources and checks its stories · Corrections, and how to report an error
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