Before you start
You should check whether your proposal needs planning permission before installing an EV charging point.
Find out if you need planning permission
EV charging at home (off‑street)
In most cases, installing an EV charging point at a house with off street parking is permitted development.
Permitted development rights for EV charging points generally apply to houses and do not apply to flats or maisonettes.
You do not need planning permission if:
- the charger is within your property boundary
- it meets permitted development rules
If the charger is attached to your house and serves off street parking, it is usually permitted development.
You must not run charging cables across the pavement without permission.
You may need planning permission if:
- the property is a flat or listed building
- it is in a conservation area or subject to restrictions
- the proposal does not meet permitted development rules
Most home EV chargers on private driveways do not need planning permission.
EV charging on the street (no driveway)
If you do not have off‑street parking, you cannot install an EV charging point on the public highway yourself.
The road or pavement outside your property is part of the public highway and managed by the highway authority.
On‑street charging arrangements, such as installing a charge point with a pavement channel, also known as a cable gully, are not covered by permitted development and will normally require planning permission.
In many cases, you will need to submit a householder planning application for the installation of the chargepoint and any associated pavement channel.
You may also need to provide additional information where works extend onto the highway, including notice to the highway authority as part of the planning process.
Some installations are being supported through a council trial scheme for pavement channels.
Find out more about the council’s EV pavement channel scheme
This is separate from the planning process and may involve additional approvals or requirements.
Find out more about street works permits.
When planning permission may be required
You may need planning permission if:
- the proposal does not meet permitted development rules
- the charger is on a wall facing a highway in restricted circumstances
- the property is listed or in a sensitive area
- permitted development rights have been removed
Other permissions you may need
You may still need:
- Building Regulations approval
- electricity supply approval
- landlord or owner permission
- approval for works on the public highway
Conservation areas and Article 4 Directions
If your property is in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 Direction, additional controls may apply.
Article 4 Directions usually apply to external changes visible from the street or public areas, such as the front of a property.
In Westmorland and Furness, Article 4 Directions generally focus on alterations that affect the external appearance of a building. This can include wall-mounted equipment such as EV charging units, particularly where they are located on a principal elevation.
EV charging points installed on side or rear elevations are less likely to require planning permission. However, where a unit is proposed on a front elevation or in a prominent location, planning permission may be required depending on its siting, design and visual impact.
Whether planning permission is required will depend on your specific property and the details of the installation.
Find out more about conservation areas and Article 4 Directions.
Get advice before you apply
If you are unsure about your proposal, you can:
- Get advice before you apply
- Find out more about Permitted Development
- Find out about Lawful Development Certificates
Further guidance
You can find general information about EV charging and planning permission on the Planning Portal.