Information Leaflet # 12
Renewable Energy Development within the Curtilage for a Dwelling House-Permitted Development Rights
August 2006

General

4.Not all development requires a formal planning application. Certain types of development are given planning permission through ‘permitted development’ rights, subject to certain exceptions set out in the legislation.

5.Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the GDO provides permitted development rights for ‘Development within the Curtilage of a Dwelling House’, e.g. domestic extensions, domestic garage, garden sheds, alterations and additions to a roof etc.

The Classes of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the GDO relevant to small scale renewables development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse are:

• Class A: The enlargement, improvement, or other alteration of a dwelling house;
• Class B: The enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a dwelling house, consisting of an addition or alteration to its roof;
• Class D: The provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house of any building or enclosure, swimming or other pool required for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse, or the maintenance, improvement or other alteration to such a building or enclosure.

Although current permitted development rights were not framed with small scale renewables in mind and do not refer to these technologies, these existing permitted development rights will give planning permission for some small scale renewable energy development provided that you comply with the exceptions set out in the legislation.

6. If you have previously carried out any development within the curtilage of your dwelling house, this may impact on your permitted development rights. If you are unsure about whether you qualify for permitted development rights due to previous work undertaken you should contact your local Divisional Planning Office.

7. If you live in a house which is a Listed Building you should note that Listed Building Consent will be required for any of the proposed development in this information leaflet. Application forms are available on the Planning Service website www.planningni.gov.uk or at your local Divisional Planning Office.