Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:19:16 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271955#Comment_271955 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271955#Comment_271955 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:56:00 +0000 Nick Parsons
I am working on a community PV scheme. The guidance relating to Permitted Development refers to:

''Permitted development

J. The installation, alteration or replacement of—

(a) microgeneration solar thermal equipment on a building;

(b) microgeneration solar PV equipment on a building; or

(c) other solar PV equipment on the roof of a building,

other than a dwelling house or a block of flats.''

... and draws a distinction between J(b) and J(c):

''(2) Class J(c) development is permitted subject to the condition that before beginning the

development the developer must apply to the local planning authority for a determination as to

whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the design or external appearance

of the development, in particular the impact of glare on occupiers of neighbouring land, and the

following sub-paragraphs apply in relation to that application.

(3) The application must be accompanied by—

(a) a written description of the proposed development;

(b) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development;

(c) the developer’s contact address; and

(d) the developer’s email address if the developer is content to receive communications

electronically;

together with any fee required to be paid.

(4) The local planning authority may refuse an application where, in the opinion of the

authority—

(a) the proposed development does not comply with, or

(b) the developer has provided insufficient information to enable the authority to establish

whether the proposed development complies with,

any conditions, limitations or restrictions specified in Class J applicable to the development in

question.''

It seems to say that PD applies for 'microgeneration' solar thermal, or 'microgeneration' 'PV on a building (this is mainly a non-domestic question - I know PD for domestic allows a small frame-mounted array), but requires an application, payment and determination for 'other' Solar PV.

What is PV if it isn't microgeneration? What have I missed?!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271956#Comment_271956 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271956#Comment_271956 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 14:48:50 +0000 owlman I'm just guessing Nick.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271957#Comment_271957 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271957#Comment_271957 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 14:54:45 +0000 skyewright https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271958#Comment_271958 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271958#Comment_271958 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 15:00:05 +0000 skyewright Posted By: owlmanPerhaps "Microgeneration" in their world is referring to generation for potential profit. Whereas "other solar PV " is simply non grid tied.
If by 'for potential profit" you mean FIT, than that isn't limited to grid-tie installs.

And quite soon there will be no FIT for any new installs, so by that definition wouldn't it make new domestic installs in general 'other'?

I suspect it's simply that the wording was thought up by someone not familiar with the technology (or correct & appropriate terminology).

Just guessing, too.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271959#Comment_271959 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271959#Comment_271959 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 15:11:05 +0000 Nick Parsons https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271960#Comment_271960 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271960#Comment_271960 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 20:05:37 +0000 djh
edit: And indeed there's then a further statement that limits the 'other' to 1 MWp. See http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/schedule/2/part/14/made]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271961#Comment_271961 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15980&Focus=271961#Comment_271961 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 20:11:28 +0000 Nick Parsons