Building Control

 

If you make any changes to a property, including installing a renewable technology, you may require building control approval.

If approval is required, you will need to apply through your local Building Control Office.

Building Control is a function of your local Council Office. Details of your local Council can be found on-line at www.nics.gov.uk/councils.htm

 

Approval is required for the installation of solar water heating systems and ground source heat pumps and may be required for other technologies such as wind turbines and photovoltaics. Contact your Local Council to find out if you need approval.

An application fee is required and this is determined by the nature of the work being undertaken.

Please note that, under Section 1 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (N.I.) Act 1978, this fee may be waived if the property is associated with eligible persons under this Act.

 

Planning Permission for Householder Installations

Planning Permission may be required before you install certain renewable energy technologies.

 

The advice provided in this fact sheet is for household installations and should be treated as initial guidance only. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not your installation requires planning permission you must contact your local planning office. Planning requirements and associated fees vary with each technology.

The extent to which small-scale renewable energy technology installations are classified as "permitted development", and do not require Planning Permission, is given in the Planning Service Information Leaflet Number 12. This is available from your local planning office, or online at www.planningni.gov.uk. Details of your local office can be obtained through the central Planning Service telephone number 028 9041 6700, or on-line at www.planningni.gov.uk.

Solar water heating & photovoltaic panels
In most cases you will not need Planning Permission for roof-mounted or wall-mounted solar panels if they do not project beyond the existing surface plane by more than 150mm, and do not exceed the height of the highest part of the existing roof. Different conditions apply if the panels are to be erected elsewhere within the boundary of your property, for example on a new, dedicated building.