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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make it his policy that large retail developments should be required to include solar farms on their roofs; and if he will publish planning guidance to this effect.

To facilitate the take up of renewable energy permitted development rights allow for the installation of solar panels on non-domestic properties without having to make a planning application. The right is subject to limitations and conditions and in the case of larger installations prior approval from the local authority is required to consider impacts such as glare.

The Government is exploring ways to accelerate solar deployment in the UK, including on rooftops of commercial buildings.