England removes planning hurdle for pavement EV chargers

England has removed the separate planning-permission requirement for qualifying electric-vehicle charging installations that run beneath pavements, a change taking effect October 21. The Department for Transport said the rule could reduce installation costs by up to £300 for drivers without off-street parking who want to charge at home. The installations allow a cable to connect a home to a vehicle parked on the street, using a channel or cable beneath the pavement to avoid creating a pedestrian hazard. Applicants must still obtain authorisation from their local council, and the change does not reserve a parking space outside a property. The exemption applies to qualifying installations under England’s permitted-development rules. Installations in conservation areas, scheduled monument sites and the grounds of listed buildings are excluded, according to the reported terms of the rules. Drivers in those locations may still need planning permission. Local authorities also retain a role in assessing proposals, including their effects on pedestrian safety and accessibility. The Department for Transport estimated that home charging through these arrangements could cost as little as...