Electric Vehicles
EV Charging Point Planning Permission: Do You Need It? (2025)
Installing a home EV charger is generally permitted development in England. But there are conditions — and the rules for listed buildings, conservation areas, and public-facing charge points are different.
⏱ 4 min read
📅 Updated June 2025
🏠 England only
Quick Answer
For most homes: No planning permission needed
Installing a domestic EV charging point on a house or within its curtilage is permitted development under Class C of Part 2, Schedule 2 to the GPDO 2015. There are conditions around cable routing, number of charge points, and appearance — but the vast majority of home charger installations don’t require planning permission.
The Permitted Development Rules
Home EV charge points became permitted development in England in 2022. The relevant legislation is Class C of Part 2, Schedule 2 to the GPDO 2015 (as amended), which covers the installation of EV charging points on dwellinghouses and associated land.
The permitted development right applies to:
- Wall-mounted charge points on the house itself
- Standalone charge points in a garage, outbuilding, or the curtilage of the house
- Cable routing between the charger and the house (where cables are concealed or run along walls)
Key Conditions
| Condition |
Detail |
| Charge point size |
The charge point unit must not exceed 0.2 cubic metres (200 litres) in volume |
| Number per property |
Only one charge point is permitted development per dwelling |
| Conservation areas |
In conservation areas, the charge point must not be located on a wall or roof that faces a highway |
| Listed buildings |
Not permitted development on a listed building |
| Removal when no longer needed |
Must be removed when no longer in use |
A standard 7kW home charge point (the most common type) is typically a wall-mounted box measuring around 300mm × 200mm × 100mm — well under the 0.2m³ limit. The condition is designed to prevent commercial-scale charge points being installed on domestic properties without planning permission.
✅ Most domestic charger installations are straightforward
A typical home EV charger installation — a wall-mounted unit, installed by a qualified OZEV-approved installer — will be permitted development in virtually all cases except listed buildings. The process is usually quick: survey, install, and notify your DNO (Distribution Network Operator).
When You Need Planning Permission
- Listed buildings: EV chargers on or attached to a listed building are not permitted development
- More than one charge point: A second charger on the same property needs planning permission
- Charge point over 0.2m³: Large or commercial-scale units need planning permission
- Conservation area (visible from highway): A charger on a wall or roof facing the road in a conservation area is not permitted development
- World Heritage Sites: Check with the local planning authority
- Public-facing charge points: Installing charge points for public use (e.g., on-street, in car parks) requires planning permission — this guide covers domestic installations only
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
For listed buildings, installing an EV charger attached to the building requires planning permission and may require listed building consent. A charger on a standalone post in the grounds — not attached to the listed building itself — may have more flexibility, but always confirm with the council before proceeding.
In conservation areas, the restriction applies only to chargers on walls or roofs that face a highway. A charger on the rear wall of the house, or in a garage, is still permitted development in a conservation area. This means most conservation area homeowners with off-street parking can still install a home charger without planning permission.
Building Regulations and Grants
EV charger installations must comply with Building Regulations Part P (electrical safety). In practice, this means using a qualified electrician. The installation should be notified to building control (which can be done by the installer through a competent person scheme).
The government’s EV Chargepoint Grant provides up to £350 towards the cost of a home charger installation for eligible properties. To qualify, you must use an OZEV-approved installer. The grant applies to flats and rented properties as well as owner-occupied houses, with slightly different eligibility criteria.
⚠️ Check with your DNO before installing
High-power chargers (above 7kW) may require prior approval from your Distribution Network Operator. Standard 7kW chargers don’t usually need DNO approval, but it’s worth confirming with your installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a home EV charger?
In most cases, no. Home EV charge points are permitted development in England under Class C of Part 2, Schedule 2 to the GPDO 2015. The main conditions are: the unit must not exceed 0.2 cubic metres, only one charge point per dwelling is permitted, and there are additional restrictions for listed buildings and wall/roof-mounted units in conservation areas visible from the highway.
Can I install an EV charger in a conservation area?
Yes, in most cases. In a conservation area, the restriction is only on charge points on walls or roofs that face a highway. A charger on a rear wall, inside a garage, or on a wall not visible from the road is still permitted development in a conservation area. Check with your local planning authority if you’re unsure whether your intended location would be visible from the highway.
Can I get a grant for a home EV charger?
Yes. The government’s EV Chargepoint Grant provides up to £350 off the cost of buying and installing a home charger. You must use an OZEV-approved installer to qualify. The grant is available for flats and rented properties as well as houses, though eligibility criteria differ slightly. Your installer should be able to apply the grant directly, reducing your upfront cost.
Do I need planning permission for an EV charger on a listed building?
Yes. EV charge points are not permitted development on listed buildings. You’ll need planning permission and potentially listed building consent. A charger on a standalone post in the grounds (not attached to the listed building itself) may have more flexibility, but always confirm with your local planning authority before proceeding.
More on Permitted Development Rights
From solar panels to extensions and outbuildings — our complete guide covers everything you can do without planning permission.
Read the Complete PD Guide →
