Farm Solar Planning Permission Guide
Everything UK farmers need to know about planning permission, Permitted Development Rights, and regulatory approvals for solar panel installations on agricultural buildings.
Understanding Planning Permission for Farm Solar Panels
One of the most common questions we hear from farmers considering solar panels is whether they need planning permission. The good news is that the majority of solar panel installations on existing agricultural buildings in England do not require a formal planning application, thanks to Permitted Development Rights. However, the rules are nuanced, and getting them wrong can lead to costly delays or enforcement action.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the planning and regulatory framework for installing solar panels on farm buildings across the UK. Whether you are running a dairy farm in Devon, an arable operation in East Anglia, or a livestock enterprise in the Scottish Borders, understanding the planning rules that apply to your specific situation is an essential first step in your solar journey.
We will walk you through Permitted Development Rights under the General Permitted Development Order, explain when full planning permission is required, cover the DNO notification and grid connection process, and outline the typical timelines and costs involved. If you are also looking into the cost of farm solar installations, we have a dedicated guide covering pricing, ROI, and financing options.
Permitted Development Rights for Agricultural Solar Panels
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) grants automatic planning permission for certain types of development, including the installation of solar panels on agricultural buildings. This is commonly referred to as Permitted Development or PD rights.
Part 14 of the GPDO: Solar Equipment on Non-Domestic Premises
Part 14, Class J of the GPDO covers the installation, alteration, or replacement of solar PV or solar thermal equipment on non-domestic buildings, which includes agricultural buildings. Under these provisions, you can install solar panels on your farm buildings without submitting a planning application, provided you meet all of the following conditions:
200mm Protrusion Limit
The solar equipment must not protrude more than 200mm beyond the plane of the roof slope when measured perpendicularly from the roof surface. This means the panels, including the mounting brackets and framework, must sit relatively flush against the roof. Most modern flush-mounted solar panel systems comfortably meet this requirement, with a typical protrusion of 100mm to 150mm above the roof surface.
Roof Height Restriction
The solar equipment must not be installed so that it is higher than the highest part of the roof, excluding any chimney. In practical terms, panels must not extend above the ridge line of the building. For most agricultural buildings with symmetrical pitched roofs, this is straightforward. On mono-pitch roofs, panels must remain below the top edge of the roof slope.
Removal Obligation
The equipment must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable when it is no longer needed for microgeneration. This condition ensures that abandoned or non-functioning equipment does not remain permanently on the building. In practice, given the 25 to 30 year lifespan of modern solar panels and their ongoing value, this condition rarely becomes relevant during the operational life of a well-maintained system.
Building Must Be in Lawful Use
The building must be in existing lawful use. If the building has been abandoned, has changed use without planning permission, or was built without the required approvals, Permitted Development Rights may not apply. Agricultural buildings must be genuinely used for agricultural purposes to benefit from these provisions.
Part 6 Agricultural Permitted Development
It is worth noting that Part 6 of the GPDO provides separate Permitted Development Rights specifically for agricultural operations on agricultural land. While Part 6 primarily covers the erection, extension, and alteration of agricultural buildings, it can be relevant where solar installation involves more significant structural works. Part 6 applies to agricultural units of 5 hectares or more and allows reasonably necessary development for the purposes of agriculture. For straightforward rooftop solar installations, Part 14 is the more directly applicable provision.
Our team assesses every project to determine which planning provisions apply and whether your installation qualifies under Permitted Development. If you are unsure, we can carry out a planning appraisal as part of our free site assessment.
When You DO Need Planning Permission
While most farm solar installations benefit from Permitted Development Rights, there are several important situations where you will need to apply for formal planning permission. Being aware of these scenarios from the outset will help you avoid delays and unexpected costs.
Listed Buildings
If your farm building is a listed structure (Grade I, II*, or II), you will need Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. This applies regardless of whether the solar panels would be visible from a public highway. The listing protects the entire building, including the roof structure and covering. Many traditional farmhouses, barns, and agricultural buildings dating from before the 20th century hold listed status. Your local planning authority maintains a register of all listed buildings in their area, and you can check the Historic England listing database. While consent is achievable for many listed agricultural buildings, the application process is more involved and typically requires a heritage impact assessment.
Conservation Areas
Farm buildings within designated conservation areas may face restrictions on Permitted Development Rights. If your installation would affect the character or appearance of the conservation area, planning permission may be required. The key test is whether the solar panels would be visible from a public viewpoint and whether they would have an adverse impact on the visual character of the area. Panels on rear-facing or less prominent roof slopes may still fall under Permitted Development, but it is essential to confirm this with your local planning authority before proceeding.
AONB, National Parks, and World Heritage Sites
Farms located within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks, the Broads, or World Heritage Sites face additional restrictions. Permitted Development Rights for solar panels are more limited in these designated areas, and prior approval or full planning permission may be required. The planning authority will assess the visual impact on the protected landscape. However, many farm solar installations in these areas do receive approval, particularly where panels are on existing agricultural buildings that are not prominently visible within the landscape.
Ground-Mounted Systems
Ground-mounted solar arrays on agricultural land are treated differently from rooftop installations. Stand-alone solar panels on land within the curtilage of a non-domestic building are permitted under Part 14, Class K of the GPDO, but only if the total area of the installation does not exceed 9 square metres and the maximum height does not exceed 4 metres. For larger ground-mounted systems, which includes most commercial agricultural solar arrays, a full planning application is required. Ground-mounted solar farms that generate electricity primarily for export to the grid are typically assessed as energy infrastructure projects.
Buildings Not in Agricultural Use
Permitted Development Rights under Part 6 apply specifically to buildings used for agricultural purposes. If your building has been converted to another use, such as storage for a non-agricultural business, holiday accommodation, or a residential dwelling, different planning rules will apply. Buildings converted under Class Q (agricultural to residential) or Class R (agricultural to commercial) permitted development lose their agricultural PD rights. If you are unsure about the use class of your building, we can advise during the initial assessment.
New Agricultural Holdings
Agricultural Permitted Development Rights under Part 6 of the GPDO only apply where the agricultural unit has been established for at least two years. If you have recently purchased or created a new agricultural holding, you may not be able to rely on PD rights for certain works until the two-year threshold has been met. This is less likely to affect rooftop solar installations under Part 14 but can be relevant if your project involves ancillary building works or ground-mounted systems that fall under Part 6.
Planning Rules Across the UK
Planning legislation is a devolved matter, meaning Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own planning frameworks. While the general principles are similar, the specific rules and terminology differ.
Scotland
Scotland operates under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (as amended). Permitted Development Rights for solar panels on non-domestic buildings are broadly similar to those in England, but with some differences in the specific conditions and thresholds. The Scottish Government has been generally supportive of renewable energy development, and most rooftop solar installations on agricultural buildings proceed without the need for a planning application. However, farms in National Scenic Areas or near Scheduled Monuments may face additional requirements. The Scottish planning system also uses a different process for prior notification.
Wales
Wales has its own planning framework under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended), as updated by Welsh Government regulations. The Welsh Government introduced updated Permitted Development Rights for solar equipment through amendments to the GPDO, which broadly align with the English provisions but with some Welsh-specific conditions. Farms in designated areas such as the Brecon Beacons National Park, Snowdonia National Park, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales should check local planning guidance. Natural Resources Wales may also need to be consulted for certain installations.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has a separate planning system administered through the Department for Infrastructure and local councils. The Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 includes provisions for solar installations on non-domestic buildings. The rules are similar in principle to those in England, though the specific regulations and any conditions attached may differ. Farms in Northern Ireland should consult their local planning office or a planning consultant familiar with the Northern Irish system. We work with planning specialists across all four nations to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.
Prior Notification vs Full Planning Application
Understanding the difference between these two processes is important for managing your project timeline and budget effectively.
Prior Notification
Prior notification is a simplified process where you inform the local planning authority of your proposed development before starting work. The authority then has 28 days to determine whether prior approval is required for specific aspects of the development.
- Faster process: 28-day determination period
- Lower application fee than full planning
- Less detailed supporting information required
- Applies to certain agricultural Permitted Development
If the authority does not respond within 28 days, the development can proceed. For most rooftop solar installations under Part 14, neither prior notification nor a planning application is needed.
Full Planning Application
A full planning application is required when Permitted Development Rights do not apply. This is a more formal process involving detailed plans, supporting statements, and public consultation.
- 8-week statutory determination period (often 8-12 weeks in practice)
- Application fee applies (currently £258 for a minor application in England)
- Requires detailed plans, design statement, and potentially ecological or heritage reports
- Public consultation period where neighbours can comment
While the process is more involved, the vast majority of farm solar planning applications are approved. Working with an experienced installer who understands the planning system helps ensure a smooth approval.
DNO Notification and Grid Connection
Regardless of whether planning permission is required, all grid-connected solar installations must be notified to the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This is a separate process from planning and is governed by the Engineering Recommendations G98 and G99.
G98 and G99 Applications
G98: Small-Scale Systems
The G98 process applies to systems generating up to 16 amps per phase, which equates to approximately 3.68kW on a single-phase connection. This is a simple notification process that your installer submits on your behalf. It is primarily relevant to domestic and very small commercial installations and is unlikely to apply to most farm solar projects.
G99: Larger Systems
The G99 process applies to all systems exceeding 16A per phase, which includes the vast majority of farm solar installations. A G99 application must be submitted to the DNO before installation begins. The DNO assesses whether the local grid has sufficient capacity to accept the generation from your system. For systems up to 50kW on a three-phase supply, the process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Larger systems may require more detailed grid studies, which can extend the timeline to 3 to 6 months.
Grid Connection for Rural Farms
Grid connection is one of the most variable elements of a farm solar project, both in terms of cost and timeline. Rural farms often have single-phase or limited three-phase supplies, and the distance to the nearest substation can significantly affect connection costs. In areas where the local grid is already heavily loaded with existing generation, the DNO may require grid reinforcement before your system can connect, adding both cost and time to the project.
We recommend starting the DNO application process as early as possible, ideally in parallel with any planning activities. For a detailed explanation of the grid connection process and how it affects rural farm installations, see our dedicated guide to grid connection for rural farms.
Our team handles the entire DNO application and grid connection process for every project. We assess grid capacity at the initial site survey stage, so you will have a clear picture of any potential constraints before committing to the project. For more information on what our full installation services include, visit our services page.
Building Regulations, Structural Calculations, and EPC
In addition to planning permission and DNO notification, there are other regulatory requirements to consider when installing solar panels on farm buildings.
Building Regulations
Solar panel installations on existing buildings are generally exempt from Building Regulations approval in England, provided the installation is carried out in accordance with the relevant electrical safety standards (BS 7671). Your installer must be a competent person, typically certified through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent scheme, to self-certify that the electrical work complies with Part P of the Building Regulations. This self-certification process means no separate Building Regulations application is needed.
However, if the solar installation involves significant structural alterations to the building, such as reinforcing the roof structure or modifying the roof covering, Building Regulations approval may be required for those specific elements of the work.
Structural Calculations
Before installing solar panels, the structural integrity of the farm building must be assessed to ensure it can safely support the additional weight. Solar panels typically add 12 to 15 kg per square metre to the roof loading, including the mounting system. While modern steel portal frame buildings generally have adequate capacity, older agricultural buildings constructed with timber frames, stone walls, or lightweight steel may require professional structural assessment.
We commission independent structural surveys for every project where there is any doubt about the building's capacity. This is part of our standard process and is included in our roof suitability assessment. Structural reinforcement, if needed, can usually be carried out as part of the installation project.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
While EPCs are not typically required for agricultural buildings used solely for farming purposes, they become relevant if your building has a mixed use or if you are claiming certain grants or incentives. Buildings that are heated or have climate-controlled spaces, such as farm offices or heated livestock buildings, may require an EPC. Installing solar panels will improve a building's EPC rating, which can be beneficial if you let or sell the property in the future.
If your farm building does require an EPC, the solar installation will be factored into the assessment, potentially improving the rating by one or two bands. This can add value to the property and ensure compliance with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations if the building is let to a third party.
Environmental Impact Assessment
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not normally required for rooftop solar panel installations on existing agricultural buildings. EIAs are typically only needed for large-scale ground-mounted solar farms or projects that could have a significant environmental impact. For rooftop installations, the existing building footprint is already established, and the visual, ecological, and landscape impacts are minimal. In rare cases where a farm is located in a particularly sensitive ecological area, your local planning authority may request an EIA screening opinion, but this is uncommon for building-mounted solar systems.
Typical Project Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your project effectively and set realistic expectations for when your solar system will be generating electricity.
Initial Site Survey and Planning Assessment
Week 1-2
We visit your farm to assess the building, roof condition, structural capacity, shading, orientation, and grid connection point. During this visit, we determine whether your installation qualifies under Permitted Development or requires planning permission. We also initiate a preliminary DNO enquiry to understand grid capacity.
System Design and DNO Application
Week 2-4
We design your bespoke system and submit the formal G99 DNO application. If planning permission is required, we prepare and submit the planning application simultaneously. Structural calculations are commissioned at this stage if needed.
Planning Determination (If Required)
Week 4-12 (only if planning permission is needed)
If a planning application is submitted, the statutory determination period is 8 weeks. In practice, a decision may take 8 to 12 weeks, particularly if the planning authority requests additional information. For Permitted Development projects, this step is not required and the project moves directly to installation once the DNO approval is received.
DNO Approval
Week 4-8 (runs in parallel with planning)
The DNO typically responds to G99 applications within 4 to 6 weeks for systems under 50kW. Larger systems or those in grid-constrained areas may take longer. We monitor the application and manage all communications with the DNO throughout this period.
Installation
1-2 weeks on site (depending on system size)
Once all approvals are in place, our installation team carries out the physical work. A typical 50 to 100kW farm installation takes 5 to 7 working days. Larger systems of 250kW+ may take 10 to 14 working days. We coordinate installation timing with your farming calendar to minimise disruption.
Commissioning and Handover
1-2 days
The system is tested, commissioned, and connected to the grid. We complete all MCS documentation, register your system with the DNO, and set up monitoring. Your system begins generating electricity and reducing your bills immediately.
Overall timeline: For Permitted Development projects, the total timeline from initial survey to commissioning is typically 6 to 10 weeks. Where full planning permission is required, allow 12 to 18 weeks. We manage the entire process from start to finish, keeping you informed at every stage. Contact us to start the process.
Common Reasons for Refusal and How to Avoid Them
While the vast majority of farm solar planning applications are approved, understanding the common reasons for refusal helps you prepare a stronger application and avoid unnecessary delays.
Visual Impact on Heritage Assets
The most common reason for refusal is an adverse impact on the setting of listed buildings or the character of conservation areas. To avoid this, consider installing panels on the least visible roof slope, use all-black panel designs that are less visually intrusive, and submit a thorough heritage impact assessment with your application. Demonstrating that you have considered the visual impact and taken steps to mitigate it significantly strengthens your case.
Landscape Impact in Designated Areas
In AONBs, National Parks, and other designated landscapes, panels on prominent roof slopes visible from valued viewpoints may face objections. Mitigate this by using landscape and visual impact assessments, choosing panel colours that blend with the roof, and demonstrating that the installation does not fundamentally alter the character of the landscape. Rooftop solar on agricultural buildings is generally viewed more favourably than ground-mounted arrays in these sensitive areas.
Glint and Glare Concerns
Occasionally, objections arise regarding potential glint and glare from solar panels affecting nearby residents, road users, or aircraft. This is more commonly an issue with ground-mounted arrays but can occasionally be raised for rooftop installations. If your farm is near an airfield or a major road, a glint and glare assessment may be needed. Modern anti-reflective panel coatings significantly reduce glare, and your installer can provide technical evidence to address these concerns.
Ecological Concerns
Barn roofs can sometimes provide habitat for protected species such as barn owls or bats. If there is evidence or a reasonable likelihood of protected species being present, an ecological survey may be required before installation. This is particularly relevant for older, traditional farm buildings. Carrying out a preliminary ecological appraisal early in the process avoids delays and demonstrates responsible development. In most cases, mitigation measures such as timing the installation outside of nesting seasons can address these concerns.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications
Applications that lack essential information, contain inaccurate plans, or fail to address relevant planning policies are more likely to be refused or delayed. Common deficiencies include missing elevation drawings, inadequate design and access statements, and failure to address local plan policies on renewable energy. We prepare all planning applications to a professional standard, ensuring every required document is included and all relevant planning policy considerations are addressed from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Farm Solar Planning Permission
Find answers to the most common questions about planning permission, regulations, and approvals for solar panel installations on agricultural buildings.
Need Help Navigating Planning Permission for Your Farm Solar Project?
Our agricultural solar specialists handle all planning, DNO, and regulatory requirements on your behalf. Get expert guidance from initial assessment to commissioned system.
Speak to Our Planning Specialists
Not sure whether your farm solar project needs planning permission? Our team has extensive experience navigating the planning system for agricultural solar installations across the UK. We offer a free initial assessment to determine the planning requirements for your specific situation.
Our Free Planning Assessment Includes:
- Permitted Development eligibility check for your building
- Listed building, conservation area, and designation checks
- DNO and grid capacity preliminary assessment
- Structural and roof suitability initial review
- Realistic timeline and cost estimate for your project
- Clear guidance on next steps and what to expect