England is set to introduce new permitted development rights for cross-pavement electric vehicle charging solutions, allowing eligible households with on-street parking to install chargers without applying separately for planning permission.
The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed the changes following a consultation. The move is intended to make home charging more accessible to households that do not have driveways or other off-street parking.
Planning Requirements To Be Reduced
Under the existing system, installing a cross-pavement charging solution can require planning permission as well as approval from the relevant highway authority. The additional requirements can make it more difficult for households without off-street parking to install their own home charging equipment.
The government announced plans in April to expand EV charging provision, including the introduction of permitted development rights for cross-pavement charging. It also said it would consult on measures to improve access to EV charging for renters and landlords.
The new rights will cover both cross-pavement infrastructure and associated domestic chargepoints. Eligible installations will not require a separate planning application, although they will remain subject to conditions and limitations that apply to other permitted developments.
Highway Approvals Will Remain
The changes will not remove all requirements for installing cross-pavement chargers. Restrictions will continue to apply in certain locations, including properties involving listed buildings.
Local authorities will also retain oversight of individual installations under Section 178 of the Highways Act 1980. Street works permissions will continue to be required where applicable.
The new permitted development rights are not yet in force. The DfT said it is preparing the necessary legislation and plans to put secondary legislation before Parliament in autumn 2026.
Industry Group Welcomes Move
EVA England said the changes could help address what it described as a growing “charging divide” between households with off-street parking and those that rely on public charging infrastructure.
The organisation estimates that around four in 10 UK households do not have off-street parking. It said drivers in these households can be more dependent on public charging, which it described as more expensive than home charging.
Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said:
“This is great news for drivers without a driveway, making it simpler, quicker and fairer for them to charge an EV at home. People who park on the street should not face unnecessary extra hurdles just to access the cheaper and more convenient charging available to people with driveways. Removing the need for a separate planning application takes away one of those barriers.”
The changes will remove the need for a separate planning application for eligible cross-pavement charging installations, while existing highway and other applicable permissions will remain in place.
