As from 6 April 2008, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO 1995) will be amended to extend permitted development rights for the installation of microgeneration equipment to residential houses and flats. There are criteria that must be met, which are intended to protect listed properties and the visual amenity of residential areas.

This means that anyone wanting to install microgeneration equipment at the house or flat or in the curtilage of their property, will be able to do so, subject to meeting the criteria, without making a formal planning application. This right may be limited by the local authorities exercising their powers under articles 4 or 7 of the GPDO 1995.

If the criteria cannot be met, a formal planning application will be required in the normal way.