Policy - Solar PV - Scotland - By Council
Scottish Local Council Development Policies
Aberdeen City
Aberdeenshire
Angus
Argyll & Bute
Clackmannanshire
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee City
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
City of Edinburgh
Falkirk
Fife
Glasgow City
Highland
Inverclyde
Midlothian
Moray
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
Orkney Islands
Perth & Kinross
Renfrewshire
Scottish Borders
Shetland Islands
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
Stirling
West Dunbartonshire
West Lothian
Western Isles (Eilean Siar)
Aberdeen City
Siting/Planning Requirements - Aberdeen City Council does not have any particular siting/planning requirements when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Environmental Impacts - Solar PV schemes will be supported in principle if proposals: (i) Do not cause significant harm to the local environment, including landscape character and the character and appearance of listed buildings and conservation areas; (ii) Do not negatively impact on air quality.
Social/Economic Impacts - Solar PV schemes will be supported in principle if proposals do not negatively impact on tourism.
Aesthetic Impacts - Solar PV schemes will be supported in principle if proposals do not have a significant adverse impact on the amenity of dwelling houses. Factors such as siting, scale, massing, colour, materials, orientation, details, the proportions of building elements, together with the spaces around buildings, including streets, squares, open space, landscaping and boundary treatments, will be considered in assessing that contribution.
Link to council page: http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/home/home.asp
Link to council policy document: http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=20814
Aberdeenshire
Siting/Planning Requirements - The following should be considered if a solar PV is proposed: (i) Does the roof, wall or conservatory face within 90 degrees of south? (ii) Will other buildings, structures or trees overshadow the site? (iii) If the solar PV panels are to be mounted on the roof, will it be strong enough to support the panels' weight? (iv) Is planning permission required (check with the planning authority)? (v) Can you use solar PV for a stand-alone application e.g. outdoor lighting/signs? (vi) The number of solar PV panels required (this will depend on how much electricity is to be generated).
Environmental Impacts - The following should be considered if a solar PV is proposed: (i) If the property is a listed building or in a conservation area, consideration should be given to the character of the listed building or the character of the conservation area, as well as to the scale, location and design (shape and colour) of the panels. A less prominent location should always be sought. The roofs of some buildings may not be suitable for any solar panels. (ii) Will the siting of the solar panels on a southern elevation affect bats?
Social/Economic Impacts - Aberdeenshire Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - The following should be considered if a solar PV is proposed: (i) If the property is a listed building, consideration should be given to the scale, location and design (shape and colour) of the panels. (ii) If the property is within a Conservation Area solar PV panels should ideally be sited at the rear of the property. (iii) The shape and colour of the solar PV panels (ideally to match the colour of the wall or roof the panels will be mounted on).
Link to council page: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/plans_policies/2010_2MicrogenerationPlanningAdviceNo22010November2010.PDF
Angus
Siting/Planning Requirements - Angus Council does not have any particular siting/planning requirements when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Environmental Impacts - In many cases small scale proposals are permitted development, but localised planning concerns can arise and include visual impact where the property is a listed building or within a Conservation Area and compatibility with these designations.
Social/Economic Impacts - Angus Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - In many cases small scale proposals are permitted development, but localised planning concerns can arise and include visual impact and surrounding amenity.
Link to council page: http://www.angus.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.angus.gov.uk/renewableenergy/Finalised_Implementation_Guide_Renewable_Energy.pdf
Argyll & Bute
Clackmannanshire
Siting/Planning Requirements - You can use PV systems for a building with a roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees of south, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. If the roof surface is in shadow for parts of the day, the output of the system decreases. The roof must be strong enough to take the solar panels' weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of existing tiles. Stand-alone systems, i.e. those not connected to the grid, need maintenance on other system components, such as batteries.
Environmental Impacts - Clackmannanshire Council does not have any particular environmental impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Social/Economic Impacts - Clackmannanshire Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - Clackmannanshire Council does not have any particular aesthetic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Link to council page: http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/document/2444.pdf
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee City
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
City of Edinburgh
Falkirk
Fife
Siting/Planning Requirements - Roof mounted solar PV (solar panels) are permitted unless: (i) Panels when installed protrude more than 200mm (from the slope of the roof); (ii) Installed on any part of the external walls of the building if the building contains a flat; (iii) Panels when installed on a flat roof are situated within 1 metre from the edge of the roof or protrude more than 1 metre above the plane of the roof; (iv) More than 4 metres in height; (v) The surface area of the solar panels forming part of the free-standing solar would exceed 9 square metres; (vi) Installed a distance from the boundary of the curtilage of the dwelling house which is less than the height of the free standing standing solar; (vii) Within the curtilage of a listed building; (viii) Results in more than one free standing solar.
Environmental Impacts - Roof mounted solar PV (solar panels) are permitted unless they would be placed on the principal elevation facing onto and visible from a highway on buildings in Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites.
Social/Economic Impacts - Fife Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - Roof mounted solar PV (solar panels) are permitted unless: (i) Situated within any part of the curtilage of the dwelling house and would be visible from a highway in Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites.
Link to council page: http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://publications.1fife.org.uk/uploadfiles/publications/c64_Domesticmicro_generationOct11.pdf
Glasgow City
Highland
Inverclyde
Midlothian
Moray
North Ayrshire
Siting/Planning Requirements - Pitched roof mounted solar installations must (i) have an unrestricted surface area, (ii) be within the limits of the existing roof (iii) must not exceed a protrusion of 200mm. Flat roof mounted solar installations must (i) have an unrestricted surafce area, (ii) be within limits of the existing roof, (iii) be 1 metre within 1 metre of the roof edge and 2 metres elsewhere (vertical installations), (iv) not protrude more than 200mm or exceed the height of the parapet wall (horizontal installatinos). Mounted Wall Solar Installations: (i) Protrustion: 200mm, (ii) Not within 200mm of building edge, (iii) Wholly within the curtilage of the building. Solar Photo-Voltaic and Solar Thermal Installations: Limitations: (i) Not within 3km of an aerodrome; (ii) Microgeneration Certification Scheme. Freestanding/Array Mounted Solar Installations: (i) Surface Area: 20 metres2, Height: 4 metres, Minimum 10 metres from site boundary not closer to a road than existing buildings. Pole Mounted Solar Installations: (i) Size: Surface Area: 1 metre2; Height: 7 metres; (ii) Number: 2 per property, unless statutory undertaker or Council installation. (iii) Siting: Not within 3km of an aerodrome; Vehicle and/or cycle parking space not to be reduced; (iv) Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
Environmental Impacts - Solar Photo-Voltaic and Solar Thermal Installations: Limitations: (i) Not visible from a road, not facing onto a road in a Conservation Area, World Heritage Site, National Park, World Heritage Site, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not on a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Additinoally for wall mounted installations: not within a town centre where the installation would face a road or public space; (ii) Not permitted development unless Listed Building Consent already granted. Pole Mounted Solar Installations: Limitations: (i) Designated Areas: Not visible from a road, not facing onto a road in a Conservation Area, World Heritage Site, National Park, World Heritage Site, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not within Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Natura 2000 sites, site of Archaeological Interest, not on a site of a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Social/Economic Impacts - North Ayrshire Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - North Ayrshire Council does not have any particular aesthetic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Link to council page: http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/ChiefExec/CommRA07.nsf/0/63bbb1a851bd4c568025777b002f688d?OpenDocument
North Lanarkshire
Orkney Islands
Perth & Kinross
Siting/Planning Requirements - Summary for solar PV installations: Identify an exposed site, clear of nearby obstructions with access for the installation; Commission on independent onsite survey to give advice and assessment of the location and likely benefits; Contact an MCS-accredited installer for a quotation for the equipment; Check you can connect the panels to your property and the grid; Contact the local authority to check if there are any planning restrictions. Summary for solar thermal installations: Identify an exposed site, clear of nearby obstructions with access for the installtion; Commission on independent onsite survey to give advice and assessment of the location and likely benefits; Contact an MCS-accredited installer for a quotation for the equipment; Check you can position the proposed solar thermla panels local to the hot water tank location; Contact the local authority to check if there are any planning restrictions.
Environmental Impacts - Perth & Kinross Council does not have any particular environmental impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Social/Economic Impacts - Perth & Kinross Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - Perth & Kinross Council does not have any particular aesthetic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Link to council page: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/3806/Solar
Renfrewshire
Siting/Planning Requirements - 1. For domestic properties the installation, alteration or replacement of rooftop thermal or photovoltaic solar panels is subject to the following limitations: The development must not project by more than 1 metre from the wall or roof; Planning permmission is required in conservation areas; Listed Building Consent is required if the proposed development affects the character or setting of a listed building; and a building warrant may be required. 2. For domestic properties, development of freestanding solar panels is permitted subject to the following: the development is generally located in the rear; the height of the resulting structure is not higher than 3 metres; at least half the curtilage remains undeveloped; Planning permission is required in conservation areas; Listed Building Consent is required if the proposed development affects the character or setting of a listed building; and a building warrant may be required. 3. For non-domestic property, there are the following limitations and conditions: (i) The surface area of solar panels is only constrained by the total output of the panels, which should not exceed 50 kilowatts of electricity or 45 kilowatts of heat. If both types of panels are being installed, the individual systems can generate up to their respective limits; (ii) Where the installation is on a pitched roof the panels must be within the limits of the existing roof and not protrude from the roof surface by more than 200mm. (iii) Where the installation is on a flat roof it should not protrude above the height of an existing parapet. Where there is no existing parapet, permitted development rights do not apply to the flat roof; (iv) Where the installation is wall-mounted it should not protrude more than 200mm from the surface of the wall and should not be within 200mm of the edge of the wall; (v) Permitted development rights do not apply to solar panels within 3 kilometres of the perimeter of an aerodrome or technical site, including land specifically designated for helicopter takeoff and landing; (vi) A building warrant may be required. 3. Proposals for solar panels, which are not permitted development, will require consideration of the following: (i) Aviation Matters, within a 3km exclusion zone around aerodromes, proposals will require consultation with BAA, MoD, CAA and NATS and; (ii) Decommissioning, the removal of solar panel installations and restoration of the site should be considered. It may be appropriate for this to be secured using planning conditions or a legal agreement.
Environmental Impacts - 1. For non-domestic property, there are the following limitations and conditions: (i) Permitted development rights do not extend to Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Conservation areas, National Scenic Areas and Historic Gardens and Designated Landscapes. 2. Proposals for solar panels, which are not permitted development, will require consideration of the following: (i) Impact on the Historic Environment, including: Scheduled Ancient Monuments; Conservation Areas; Archaeology, Listed Buildings; Historic and Designed Landscapes; National Scenic Areas and their settings. Consultation with Historic Scotland may be required and impacts mitigated; (ii) Landscape, the landscape and visual impact of solar panels will need to be considered, especially in relation to particularly sensitive areas or with regards to cumulative effect. This will be more of an issue with regards to free standing solar panel arrays, and will be largely dependent on how capable the topography and vegetation is able to absorb the development. For large proposals, guidance from SNH should be sought with relation to landscape character appraisal, visual impact and site design; (iii) Bioviversity, free standing solar arrays can have both positive and negative impacts on biodiversity. Planting in the spaces between units can secure local ecological corridors, while construction of foundations for units can be a detrimental impact on existing ecology.
Social/Economic Impacts - Proposals for solar panels, which are not permitted development, will require consideration of the following: (i) Heat Demand, the Renfrewshire heat map shows areas of high heat demand, Solar Thermal panels within, or in close proximity to these areas, can have a greater impact on emissions; (ii) Glint and Glare impacts, a glint and glare assessment would normally be required for planning applications for larger solar panel arrays; (iii) Impact on Communities, although there are limited impacts on communities, consideration should be given to loss of amenity space as well as glint and glare impacts.
Aesthetic Impacts - For non-domestic property, there are the following limitations and conditions: (i) Installations which do not provide energy for use on site do not enjoy permitted development rights, as that would be a new land use rather tham a supplement to an existing land use; (ii) Listed Building consent is required if the proposed development affects the character or setting of a listed building.
Link to council page: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/webcontent/home/
Link to council policy document: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/wps/wcm/connect/47755e2d-7be4-4900-820c-3c6cd0b042dd/Combined+LDP+Background+paper+Renewables+131212.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
Scottish Borders
Siting/Planning Requirements - You will not need planing permission for free standing solar equipment in the curtilage of a dwelling if the following conditions are met: (i) the site is not within the curtilage of a listed building, (ii) a maximum of 1 free standing solar group can be installed, (iii) the surface area of the free standing solar must be 9 square metres or less, (iv) the free standing solar equipment must be under 4 metre in height, (v) the free standing solar equipment must be located a distance at least equal to its height above ground away from the boundary of the property.
Environmental Impacts - You will not need planing permission for free standing solar equipment in the curtilage of a dwelling if the following conditions are met: (i) the site is located within a conservation area, the equipment is not to be visible from a road.
Social/Economic Impacts - Scottish Borders Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - You will not need planing permission for free standing solar equipment in the curtilage of a dwelling if the following conditions are met: (i) the equipment must be positioned so far away as is reasonably possible, to minimise its effect on the amenity of the area, (ii) any equipment no longer needed for or capable of domestic microgeneration must be removed as soon as possible.
Link to council page: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/206/advice_and_guidance/289/planning_permission_advice
Shetland Islands
Siting/Planning Requirements - Planning permission will be required if: (i) the installation projects 10cm beyond the plane of any existing roof slope; (ii) the installation results in the roof area of a dwelling being extended by 10%. The Council's Building Standards Service should be contacted to ascertain whether a building warrant is required, prior to commencement of works.
Environmental Impacts - Shetland Islands Council does not have any particular environmental impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Social/Economic Impacts - Shetland Islands Council does not have any particular social/economic impact considerations when it comes to planning Solar PV installations.
Aesthetic Impacts - Planning permission will be required if: (i) the roof material (the extent of panels, slates etc) is deemed by the planning authority to materially affect the external appearances of the dwelling.
Link to council page: http://www.shetland.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.shetland.gov.uk/planningcontrol/advicenotes/documents/AdviceNote7.pdf