Planning permission need removed for EV charge points

The government has announced that drivers and business will no longer need to submit planning applications to install public or private electric vehicle chargepoints.

The government hopes that cutting down on paperwork will allow more EV owners with a driveway will find it easier, quicker and cheaper to install a private chargepoint.

The planning changes also apply to workplace and public chargepoints, allowing businesses to be able to install new sockets faster.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: "We’re cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from and less red tape to deal with."

Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director, Osprey Charging Network said: "This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground.

"Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need. It’s the result of months of collaboration between industry and government and we’re proud to have played a key role in making it happen."