Drivers in England can now install cross-pavement electric vehicle charging solutions without planning permission under new permitted development rights that took effect on October 23, 2026. The government estimates the change could reduce installation costs by up to £300 for households without off-street parking.
The new rules allow homeowners to route charging cables from domestic chargepoints to vehicles parked on the street through dedicated channels, known as gullies, embedded in pavements. These systems are designed to prevent trip hazards while making home charging more accessible to people without driveways.
The change also removes a planning-related barrier to the government’s £25 million Pavement Channels Grant, launched in 2025 to help local authorities install pavement channels for residents who cannot park off-street.
Improving Access to Home Charging
Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EV driver advocacy group EVA England, said the change could help more households consider switching to electric vehicles.
The organisation’s research found that 60% of petrol and diesel drivers without off-street parking would never consider an EV, according to Edmonds. Access to cheaper home electricity could help address some of the cost concerns associated with charging electric vehicles.
The government has said home charging for drivers without driveways could cost as little as 2 pence per mile, potentially reducing reliance on more expensive public charging networks.
Further Requirements Remain
The new rights do not remove every regulatory requirement. Installations may still need approval from the relevant highway authority, and street works permissions may apply. Restrictions also remain for certain protected sites and properties.
The government has additionally launched consultations on improving charging access for tenants and leaseholders and expanding charging infrastructure in new and refurbished buildings.
The policy is part of a broader effort to make EV ownership more practical for households that lack private parking and conventional home-charging options.