If you’ve recently bought an electric car — or are thinking about it — one of the first questions that comes up is:
“Do I need planning permission to install a charger at home?”
The good news is that in most cases, you don’t.
For most homeowners across Earley, Spencers Wood, and Pangbourne, fitting a domestic EV charger is considered “permitted development” — meaning you don’t need planning approval, as long as a few simple conditions are met.
When You Don’t Need Planning Permission
Most homeowners can install an EV charger under permitted development rights, introduced by the UK government to make home charging easier.
Here’s what that means in plain English:
- The charger must be for your own private use (not for public or commercial charging).
- It must be installed on your property — on a driveway, garage wall, or other private area.
- The charger unit must be no larger than 0.2 cubic metres (almost all home units meet this).
- The charger cannot be within 2 metres of a public highway.
- The property must not be listed and must be outside a conservation area or scheduled monument.
So, if you live in a standard home in Arborfield or Riseley and plan to mount your charger on an exterior wall or driveway post, you’re good to go — no permission required.
When Permission Is Needed
There are a few situations where planning approval or extra steps might be required:
- Listed buildings – You’ll need Listed Building Consent for anything that affects the property’s exterior.
- Flats or shared driveways – Check with your freeholder or management company.
- Conservation areas – Some councils require approval for visible installations.
- New builds with covenants – Developer restrictions sometimes apply; check your deeds first.
If you’re unsure, a quick call to your local planning department can save you time later. At GU Solutions, we’ve helped homeowners across Silchester and surrounding areas navigate these requirements smoothly.
Building Regulations Still Apply
Even when planning permission isn’t needed, your installation must still meet the Building Regulations, specifically:
- Part P – Electrical safety in dwellings
- BS 7671 – IET Wiring Regulations
- IET Code of Practice – For EV Charging Equipment Installation
This means your charger must be installed by a competent, registered electrician (for example, an NICEIC or NAPIT Approved Contractor) who can self-certify the work and notify Building Control.
Once completed, you’ll receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate in the post — your proof that the charger was installed safely and legally. It’s also a valuable document if you ever sell your home.
Why Professional Installation Matters
A home EV charger isn’t just a plug — it’s a high-powered electrical device that needs proper protection, earthing, and circuit design.
At GU Solutions, every installation starts with a pre-installation survey where we:
- Check your main supply size and capacity
- Inspect your consumer unit (fuse board) and protection devices
- Confirm your earthing and bonding meet regulations
- Plan safe cable routing and charger placement
Once everything’s approved, we install, test, and certify the charger to full UK standards. We also handle the setup and smartphone app integration, so you’re ready to charge from day one.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors and install trusted brands including BG Sync, Hypervolt, Zappi, and Pod Point across Reading, Earley, and nearby Berkshire villages.
What About EV Grants?
Although most homeowner grants have now ended, landlords and some flat owners can still apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant, covering up to 75% of installation costs (up to £350).
If you might qualify, we’ll help you check eligibility and handle the paperwork as part of your survey.
Book Your Home EV Charger Survey
If you’re ready to install an EV charger and want it done safely, legally, and without planning headaches, talk to GU Solutions.
Call 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your home EV charger survey.
We’ll confirm whether permissions are needed, inspect your electrics, and give you a clear, honest quote — no surprises, no red tape, just a safe and certified installation.
Because charging your car at home shouldn’t require a degree in planning law — just the right electrician.
