A significant change to planning rules in England is set to make installing an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint at home far simpler and cheaper for millions of households. The reform, enacted by the Labour government, means drivers with a driveway no longer need to submit a planning application to fit a private charging socket.
Cutting Red Tape for the EV Revolution
The rule change, which was rolled out in May 2025 by Labour minister Lilian Greenwood, is designed to slash bureaucracy and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. It applies to both private driveways and certain business installations, removing a major hurdle for those looking to make the switch to cleaner transport.
The government estimates this streamlined process will save individuals up to £1,100 per year by eliminating planning fees and reducing installation delays. This forms part of a broader strategy to support the UK's transition to electric motoring.
Industry and Government Collaboration Bears Fruit
The move has been warmly welcomed by industry leaders who have long advocated for such a change. Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at the Osprey Charging Network, hailed it as a "hugely welcome and practical change." He emphasised that removing planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations will "save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need."
Gardiner credited the success to "months of collaboration between industry and government." This sentiment was echoed by Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer and MD of Smart Charge, who stated the new approach will "help accelerate the nation’s adoption of EVs" by making charging more accessible.
Part of a Broader Plan for Change
Minister Greenwood framed the decision within the government's wider environmental and economic strategy. "We’re cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution," she said, "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."
The government is backing this policy with substantial investment, committing over £2.3 billion to support drivers and British carmakers. This funding is intended to boost investment, create jobs, and secure the UK's automotive future through international trade deals, all under the umbrella of the government's "Plan for Change."
The immediate effect is clear: electric car owners with off-street parking can now expect a quicker, easier, and more affordable path to installing a home chargepoint, powering up their vehicles overnight and taking a significant step towards cheaper, greener motoring.
