Many householders across the country may be thinking about having solar PV panels installed, but might be concerned about the notion of having to go through a lengthy planning process.

However, if this is your concern, there is good news; in most cases, householders do not need to apply for planning permission to install panels on their roofs at all. This is because it is one of many modifications homeowners are allowed to make that are classed as ‘permitted development’.

This places panels in the same category as other things you can do to your home under permitted development rules, such as fitting roof lights, porches, or extensions below a certain size. Indeed, it is worth knowing about the other things you can do as these may create more roof space for you to have panels installed on.

Before proceeding, however, you should check with your local authority to make sure that your home is not covered by one of the exceptions that can apply to permitted development rights.

These can be specific to your home such as it being a listed building, or it can be to do with the locality, such as a conservation area. Further restrictions can apply in national parks, although unlike in some other parts of Yorkshire, this will not be an issue for those living in the East Riding.

Some might have gained the impression that solar panels can be the subject of fierce planning battles, but that is only an issue when commercial solar farms are planned for the countryside.

Planning permission is needed for installations larger than 9 sq m, which equates to four or five large panels, more than most homes could accommodate. In practice, of course, it is proposed installations of much greater scale than this that are by nature more likely to be regarded by some as visually intrusive - and therefore prone to receiving objections.

While that may lead to some big planning rows elsewhere, however, the fact is that you are far more likely than not to be legally entitled to fit panels on your home.

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