The UK Department for Transport has announced plans to grant permitted development rights for cross-pavement EV charging solutions in England. This change allows homeowners who rely on street parking to install charging equipment without the previously required planning permission.
Under the existing regulations, residents without private driveways faced significant administrative hurdles, often requiring both planning permission and highway authority approval. The new policy aims to reduce costs and simplify the installation process for these households.
The new rules apply to both cross-pavement infrastructure and domestic chargepoints, though they remain subject to standard limitations, such as restrictions for listed buildings. Local authorities will retain oversight under Section 178 of the Highways Act 1980, and street works permissions will still be required.
The government is currently drafting the necessary legislation and expects to present secondary legislation to Parliament in Autumn 2026. EVA England reports that approximately four in ten UK households lack off-street parking, forcing many drivers to rely on more expensive public charging networks.
