Solar panels on a house roof in Dover are usually permitted development, which means no planning application. That includes most houses in a conservation area. The rules changed on 27 August 2026, so this guide covers what applies now. If you are unsure about your address, check with Dover District Council or the Planning Portal before you order.
Panels on a house roof
Under the 2026 change to Part 14, Class A of the General Permitted Development Order (SI 2026/896), panels on a house or block of flats are permitted development within these limits:
- Pitched roof: panels may stand no more than 0.2m proud of the roof slope.
- Flat roof: panels may rise no more than 0.6m above the highest point of the roof.
- Wall-mounted: no more than 0.2m from the wall where the wall abuts a highway, otherwise 0.4m.
Being in a conservation area does not by itself stop roof-slope panels from being permitted development.
What changes in a conservation area
In a conservation area or World Heritage Site, solar equipment is not permitted development on a wall, balcony or roof enclosure that fronts a highway. That needs planning permission. Check your address against the council planning map to see whether you are inside a conservation area.
Listed buildings
Solar equipment is not permitted development on a listed house or listed block of flats, or on buildings in their curtilage. You need planning permission and, as applicable, listed building consent. Speak to the council before you design anything.
Ground-mounted panels
Stand-alone panels in a garden fall under Class B. They are not permitted development in the curtilage of a listed building. In a conservation area, panels nearer the highway than the house need prior approval from the council on appearance. Panels may cover no more than 9 square metres. The height limit is 4m, or 2m if the panels are within 5m of a boundary, or in a conservation area and nearer the highway than the house.
Kent Downs National Landscape
The Kent Downs National Landscape (formerly the AONB) covers villages such as St Margaret's-at-Cliffe and the White Cliffs. That status on its own does not remove permitted development for roof-mounted panels. Check your address with the council, and see the Planning Portal guidance on solar panels.
Older installs and plug-in kits
Work that was permitted before 27 August 2026 can continue under the previous rules until the end of 26 August 2027. The 2026 change also defines plug-in solar, meaning a kit that connects through a standard plug and socket. Our solar and battery page covers plug-in kits.
If you need an application
If your plans need planning permission or prior approval, the application goes to Dover District Council. We can supply photos, elevations and the electrical specification to go with it. All solar installs are MCS-certified, with the certificate issued on completion, and we support your Smart Export Guarantee registration. For prices and options see solar PV and battery storage in Dover.
Sources: SI 2026/896 on legislation.gov.uk and the Planning Portal guidance on solar panels. Checked 12 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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