Overview
- The Department for Transport removed the planning‑permission requirement for qualifying under‑pavement charging gullies on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, so permanent cables installed beneath pavements no longer need a planning application.
- The government says the change could cut installation bills by up to £300 and let drivers use domestic electricity rates that can work out to about 2p per mile with the right tariff.
- Households still must get authorisation from their local highway authority or council and installers must avoid underground utilities, with extra restrictions for conservation areas, listed buildings and scheduled monuments.
- Scotland runs a separate Cross‑pavement Charging Grant administered by the Energy Saving Trust that can cover up to £3,500 in participating council areas, and applications are open only where councils accept permits.
- The government has opened two consultations on building‑regulation changes and tenant/leaseholder access that close in December 2026, and stakeholders say remaining barriers include parking availability, local scheme roll‑out and VAT and public‑charging price differences.