Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11493 on Buildings and Housing: Solar Power, whether she is taking planning-related steps to facilitate the fitting of solar panels in conservation areas.

To facilitate the take up of renewable energy, nationally set permitted development rights enable the installation of solar equipment on or within the curtilage of buildings, including in conservation areas, without the need to submit a planning application. The rights are subject to certain conditions and limitations to protect local amenity. Proposals which go beyond what is allowed under the rights will require a planning application. Any such applications will be considered on their individual merits. We will continue to keep permitted development rights under review.