TL;DR
Homeowners in England can install most domestic EV chargers without planning permission under updated permitted development rights. Building regulations Part P, DNO notification and OZEV installer accreditation still apply. The £500 EV Chargepoint Grant remains available for flat owners and renters from April 2026.
Last reviewed 3 June 2026
Key facts
- Most wall-mounted home EV chargers under 0.2 cubic metres are now Permitted Development under Class D, Schedule 2, Part 2 of the GPDO.
- Planning permission previously cost around £258 and was often required when the charger faced a highway. That step is no longer needed for most installations.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas still require consent from the local planning authority.
- The OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant is £500 per socket from April 2026, available to flat owners and renters using an OZEV-authorised installer.
- Distribution Network Operator (DNO) notification (G98 or G99) and Building Regulations Part P certification remain mandatory.
What the rule change actually covers
The Department for Transport and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) have removed the planning permission requirement for most domestic electric vehicle chargers in England. The change is implemented through an update to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), Class D, Schedule 2, Part 2.
The exemption applies to wall-mounted chargers under 0.2 cubic metres on properties with off-street parking. It covers both residential and commercial premises in England. Previously, planning applications were often triggered when the unit faced a road or was visible from the highway. That trigger has been removed.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own permitted development rules. Homeowners outside England should check with their devolved planning authority.
What still requires consent or paperwork
Three categories of installation are not covered by the new permitted development rights:
Listed buildings: Listed Building Consent from the local planning authority is still required. The local conservation officer typically asks for the unit to be sited inconspicuously.
Conservation areas: Some restrictions still apply. Check with the local planning authority before installation.
On-street installation: Cross-pavement solutions such as gully chargers and channel systems still require planning permission from the local council. The permitted development change only covers off-street, on-property installations.
Even where planning permission is not required, all installations must comply with Building Regulations Part P and BS 7671 wiring regulations. The installer must notify the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) through the G98 (single phase up to 16A) or G99 (larger systems) process. An OZEV-registered installer typically handles both Part P self-certification and DNO notification.
The £500 grant: who qualifies in 2026
The EV Chargepoint Grant scheme continues into 2026 but the eligibility is narrow. Owner-occupied houses lost grant access in 2022. The remaining routes from April 2026:
Renters and flat owners: Up to £500 per socket toward installation cost, applied directly to the installer's invoice. The applicant must rent, own a leasehold flat, or live in shared accommodation. The vehicle must be an eligible EV.
Workplaces: The Workplace Charging Scheme covers up to 75 per cent of installation cost, capped at £350 per socket and 40 sockets per applicant.
Grants are claimed by the installer, not the homeowner. The installer must be OZEV-authorised. The chargepoint must be on the OZEV-approved product list and capable of smart scheduling.
Advisory: Even though planning permission is not usually required, installations must still meet Building Regulations Part P and the IET Wiring Regulations. Using an installer who is not OZEV-authorised forfeits grant eligibility and may invalidate home insurance.
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Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO ZC135439) as a data controller but is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures and rules are correct at time of publication and may change. Always check the primary source linked below before acting on any information, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission to install an EV charger on my driveway in England?
No, in most cases. Wall-mounted chargers under 0.2 cubic metres on properties with off-street parking are covered by permitted development rights. The exceptions are listed buildings, some conservation areas, and on-street or pavement-crossing installations.
How much is the EV Chargepoint Grant worth in 2026?
£500 per socket from April 2026, up from £350 previously. The grant is available to renters and flat owners. Owner-occupied houses have not been eligible since 2022.
Who has to be notified about a new home EV charger?
The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must be notified through the G98 or G99 process. The installer handles this. Building Regulations Part P certification must also be issued. An OZEV-authorised installer covers both.
Can I install an EV charger myself?
Domestic EV charger installation is notifiable work under Building Regulations Part P. It must be carried out by a Part P competent person or signed off by Building Control. DIY installation can invalidate home insurance and forfeit grant eligibility.
Do these rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
No. Permitted development rules are devolved. The change reported here applies to England only. Homeowners elsewhere should check with the local planning authority or devolved government.
