If you’re thinking about installing a home battery system — either on its own or alongside solar panels — you might be wondering:
“Do I need planning permission for that?”
It’s a fair question. Because while the rules for solar panels are well known, battery storage is a slightly greyer area.
The good news? For most homeowners around Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and the wider Hampshire area, you don’t need planning permission. But — as always — there are a few caveats.
Let’s make sense of it all in plain English.
✅ The short answer: Most home batteries don’t need planning permission
In the UK, domestic battery storage is generally covered under permitted development rights — the same principle that allows most people to add solar panels, small sheds, or EV chargers without a full planning application.
In simple terms: if the battery system is for your own home, sits neatly on a wall or floor, and doesn’t cause visual or environmental harm, you can install it without formal planning approval.
That’s because batteries are classed as “ancillary equipment” — supporting your energy system, rather than altering the property itself.
So in most cases, you’re free to go ahead — no planning meeting, no red tape, no extra fees.
⚠️ The exceptions: When planning might be required
There are some situations where you will need to talk to your local planning authority — for example:
- If your home is a listed building
Listed buildings come with tight restrictions, even for electrical work. Any visible equipment (like an external battery enclosure) might need listed building consent. - If you live in a conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
In these areas, planners may want to review any installations that alter the exterior appearance of your home. If your battery is mounted outside, check first. - If you’re installing a large or commercial-scale system
Domestic systems are typically under 50kW — well within permitted limits. But larger battery arrays for farms, apartment blocks, or business premises may trigger full planning approval. - If it’s being installed separately from the main dwelling
Ground-mounted battery systems or those housed in outbuildings can sometimes fall outside permitted development.
In these edge cases, a quick call to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s planning department is well worth it.
Don’t forget: Building regulations still apply
Even if you don’t need planning permission, your battery installation must comply with UK building and electrical safety regulations — including:
- BS 7671:2018 (IET Wiring Regulations) – ensuring the wiring, protection, and isolation are safe and suitable.
- IET Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) – covers correct siting, ventilation, and fire protection.
- Manufacturer requirements – ensuring clearances, mounting, and ventilation meet the product’s safety standards.
That’s where an experienced, NICEIC-approved installer like GU Solutions comes in.
We handle all the electrical compliance and certification so you don’t have to worry about it.
Inside or outside — does it matter?
Most batteries in homes across Hampshire are installed either:
- Indoors – in a utility room, garage, or under-stairs cupboard
- Outdoors – in a weatherproof cabinet on a side or rear wall
In both cases, as long as the installation meets safety standards and doesn’t spoil the appearance of your property, you’re still covered under permitted development.
We’ll always carry out a site survey to make sure your chosen location is safe, well-ventilated, and compliant — and we’ll flag any planning considerations before installation begins.
Realistically, here’s how it works in Basingstoke
For 99% of homeowners we work with, it’s simple:
- No planning permission needed.
- Building regs handled by GU Solutions.
- Installation completed safely, neatly, and certified.
You’ll receive all the documentation you need — from commissioning certificates to warranty registration — so your system is fully compliant and insurable.
No headaches, no jargon, no chasing forms.
The bottom line
If your battery is being installed as part of a standard domestic setup — on or near your home — you won’t need planning permission.
What you do need is a competent, qualified installer who knows the regulations and can design a safe, efficient system that fits your property perfectly.
That’s exactly what we do at GU Solutions.
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re in Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, Alton, or the wider Hampshire area, our friendly, qualified team can help you design and install a fully compliant battery storage system — without the red tape.
Book your free home energy survey today and find out how much you could save by storing your own electricity.
📞 Call 01256 473326 or send us a message online — and let’s make your home smarter, greener, and more energy independent.
