The Government has confirmed plans to remove a major planning barrier to cross-pavement charging for electric vehicle (EV) drivers without a driveway.
Responding to a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on proposals to permitted development rights for electric vehicle (EV) charging, which closed in January, it says it will remove the need for a separate planning application for approved cross-pavement charging solutions and associated home charge points.
The change will create a new permitted development right for cross-pavement charging. Local authorities will continue to oversee installations through existing highways permissions and safety safeguards.
It is hoped it could help tackle the UK’s growing charging divide, which leaves millions of people without off-street parking facing greater cost and bureaucracy if they want to charge an EV from their own home electricity supply.
Statistics from the Government’s English Housing Survey (EHS) suggest that approximately eight million households (32%) in England do not have access to off-street parking, such as a drive, garage or residential car park.
During the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill last year, Baroness Pidgeon tabled amendments seeking to remove barriers to cross-pavement charging, with support and briefing from EVA England and its partners.
She subsequently secured a Government commitment to consult on extending permitted development rights for home charging and then bring forward secondary legislation.
The Government says it will now proceed with the change, with work underway on the necessary legislation.
It will also allow homes immediately adjoining the highway to install a cross-pavement solution and associated charge point.
Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said: “This is great news for drivers without a driveway, making it simpler, quicker and fairer for them to charge an EV at home.
“People who park on the street should not face unnecessary extra hurdles just to access the cheaper and more convenient charging available to people with driveways. Removing the need for a separate planning application takes away one of those barriers.”
