Domestic wind turbines - proposed regime

Please bear in mind that this is a guide to the proposed changes to the planning system. The limits and restrictions outlined here will not apply until the law is changed. The changes will not affect any works started before that date. Building Regulations guidance can be found elsewhere on the Portal.

For current guidance on the planning and building regulations regime see 'Wind Turbines' in our Building Work section.

Under the proposed new planning regime fitting domestic wind turbines should not usually need an application for planning permission so long as the following limits and conditions are met:

Wind turbines on buildings:

• to be less than 3m above ridge (including blade).
• diameter of blades to be less than 2m.
• permitted development does not apply in conservation areas or World Heritage Sites.

Stand-alone wind turbines:

• to be less than 11m high including blade.
• diameter of blades to be less than 2m.
• must stand at least 12m from a boundary.
• should not be installed within boundary of a listed building.
• should not face onto and be visible from the highway in conservation areas or World Heritage Sites.

The permitted development regime will change once standards on noise and vibration are decided.

Please bear in mind that this is a guide to the proposed changes to the planning system. The limits and restrictions outlined here will not apply until the law is changed. The changes will not affect any works started before that date. Building Regulations guidance can be found elsewhere on the Portal.

For current guidance on the planning and building regulations regime see 'Wind Turbines' in our Building Work section.