Written questions

Solar Power: Planning Permission

Commons · Question 7619 · Tabled 8 Jun 2026 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government · Official record

Answered 16 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Max Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether planning provisions allow local authorities to consider existing solar energy generation installations as a material consideration in planning decisions.

Answer

Answered by Matthew Pennycook, 16 Jun 2026

By law, planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Local planning authorities may take into account the potential impact of development proposals on exi...