The Labour government has launched a landmark consultation that could significantly ease the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment for UK households, particularly those with driveways and off-street parking.
What the Proposed Changes Would Allow
At the heart of the consultation are proposed amendments to Permitted Development Rights (PDRs). These rights allow certain building works to proceed without a full planning application, streamlining processes and cutting costs. The government has already used PDRs to support EV infrastructure, and now seeks to go further.
The new proposals focus on two key areas. First, they would allow multiple units of equipment housing or storage units for EV chargepoints in non-domestic, off-street car parks. Secondly, and crucially for many homeowners, they would permit the installation of cross-pavement solutions and associated domestic chargepoints.
Boosting the 'EV Revolution' for Homeowners
Labour's Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, stated the reforms aim to make switching to electric cars easier. "These reforms will improve infrastructure for the EV revolution, increase chargepoints across the country and open up affordable home charging to thousands more households," she said.
Alexander emphasised the wider benefits, calling it "good news for drivers and a big boost for the growing British EV industry - cutting costs and supporting jobs to deliver our Plan for Change."
The consultation document clarifies that equipment housing refers to cabinets or buildings storing essential systems like transformers, control units, and batteries needed to operate chargepoints safely. Currently, PDRs allow for one such unit in non-domestic parking areas; the change would permit multiple units, supporting larger-scale charging hubs.
Solving the 'No Driveway' Problem
A major hurdle in the EV transition is that many households lack off-street parking. The proposed cross-pavement solution is designed specifically for this issue. It is a system that enables a safe connection between a home chargepoint and a vehicle parked on the street, minimising trip hazards for pedestrians.
The government notes that trailing cables across footways pose risks, especially to those with mobility or visual impairments. A formalised cross-pavement system would help remove these dangers while expanding charging access. The majority of EV charging takes place at home, and ministers expect this trend to continue, making such solutions vital.
The consultation period began on 26 November 2025 and will run until 21 January 2026. The government states its goal is to ensure legislative frameworks support chargepoint installations "in a timely and affordable manner" as EV numbers rise.
