As checked on 2 October 2026, recent heat-pump and solar amendments are in force, while further proposals must not be treated as permission to build. [1][2][3]
How to read a planning-change headline
Distinguish a consultation seeking views, a government decision to pursue reform, a draft instrument and legislation which has actually commenced. Then identify the part and class amended. A change to solar equipment is not a change to extension depths, even when both appear under the heading “permitted development”. [4][5][2]
Record the effective date and any saving for existing proposals. The publication date of an announcement is not necessarily the date on which a homeowner can rely on the new right. [1][2]
Changes already in force
Heat pumps and EV charging: 29 May 2025
SI 2025/560 amended permitted development provisions for air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging infrastructure from 29 May 2025. It is an enacted amendment, not merely the earlier consultation. The relevant equipment, siting and other conditions still need to be checked for an installation. [1]
Other amendments: 9 April 2026
SI 2026/313 took effect on 9 April 2026. Among other changes, it amended references to the National Planning Policy Framework, including references within the upward-extension procedure. A technical amendment of that kind should not be reported as a general increase in home-extension size allowances. [6]
Domestic solar: 27 August 2026
SI 2026/896 changed domestic solar provisions from 27 August 2026, separating relevant limitations for houses and blocks of flats and expressly including plug-in solar. It also amended limitations and prior-approval requirements for stand-alone solar. Read the applicable conditions rather than assuming that every solar installation became unrestricted. [2]
A specific transitional saving allows solar development permitted immediately before the amendment, but excluded by its changes, to be carried out until the end of 26 August 2027. That saving is not available from 27 August 2027. [2]
Proposals which need a further check
The February 2024 consultation included wider changes to householder enlargements, roofs and building upwards. Consultation limits do not replace the rules in force: establish the operative amendment and its commencement before relying on a proposed allowance. [4]
Following the 11 September 2026 consultation outcome, SI 2026/1056 was made on 25 September 2026, laid on 30 September 2026 and comes into force on 21 October 2026. It amends charging-outlet and upstand rights and introduces Class F for cross-pavement solutions. Check the operative conditions and the highway authority's requirements before relying on the route. [5][8]
A new NPPF is not itself a new extension allowance
The current general National Planning Policy Framework was published on 17 August 2026. Policy publication and amendment of the permitted development order are different events. Where a prior-approval provision contains a statutory reference to a particular policy version, check that reference rather than assuming it automatically updates. [7][6]
For a live project, record the legislation, amendment and applicable date beside the design assessment. An undated internet summary is not a dependable substitute for that chain of evidence.