The Dulwich Estate

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  • 13. Garden structures
  • 14. Solar Energy panels
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Home | Scheme of Management | Policy Guidelines

14. Solar Energy panels

The Managers recognise the need for enhancing the way in which energy is produced and consumed and solar panels can be effective in heating water and producing some electricity. However, almost all such installations require approval under the Scheme of Management even if they do not require planning permission from the local authority (but see below). You are encouraged to contact the Scheme of Management Office to discuss any proposals in advance.

Paragraph 3 (a) of the Scheme of Management provides that without the prior written approval of the Managers no material alteration shall be made to the external appearance of any building or structure on an enfranchised property and no new or additional building or structure shall be erected thereon.

The Managers of the Scheme are The Incorporated Trustees of The Dulwich Estate and written approval for alterations is provided to applicants by way of a Licence.

Applications for the installation of solar energy panels should comply with the following:

· Solar panels must not be visible from the road or other public spaces, such as parks, public gardens or sports grounds;

· Solar panels on the front roof of a property are highly unlikely to be approved;

· The location of solar panels on a roof at the rear of a property should be inconspicuous — the size of the panel should not dominate the roof or spoil the architectural character of the building;

· Suitable alternative locations for solar panels may include at low level in rear gardens, behind parapets on flat roofs or on a garden building;

· Obtain planning consent from the local authority: generally, solar panels in excess of 3 metres square may require planning consent. The Conservation Office at Southwark Council has indicated: all development should preserve or enhance the historic character and appearance of buildings or areas of historical or architectural significance. Planning proposals that will have a material adverse effect on the historic environment will not be acceptable.

 

Please refer also to the General Guidance Notes For Freeholders Of Property Subject To The Scheme Of Management Making Application For Building Or Tree Works.

September 2006

Documents

 Solar Energy Panels Guidance Notes (PDF 281kb)