England updates pavement-charging guidance after planning changes

England has updated its guidance for charging electric cars across pavements, setting out how councils should handle installations under the planning rules introduced on 21 October. The revised advice was published on 4 November.

Eligible pavement channels and domestic charge points can now use permitted development rights, allowing installation without a separate planning application where the conditions are met. Residents still need the relevant highway permissions. The local authority decides whether a proposed location is suitable, considering pedestrian safety, accessibility and construction standards.

The guidance distinguishes channels that temporarily hold a driver’s charging cable from systems with a permanent cable beneath the pavement and a removable connection at the kerb. It does not cover temporary cable mats or covers.

There are limits to the planning exemption. For example, a charge point immediately adjoining the highway must leave at least 1.5 metres of footway between it and the road. Residents in conservation areas are told to check with their local planning authority before proceeding.

Installing a channel also gives no automatic right to the parking space outside the house. A resident may gain access to their domestic electricity supply without gaining a reserved charging bay. The guidance applies to England; roadworks arrangements elsewhere in the UK are devolved.

Sources

• Department for Transport and OZEV: Cross-pavement charging guidance
• GOV.UK: November guidance update