UK Scraps Planning Rule Blocking Pavement-Crossing Home EV Chargers

Drivers in England who rely on street parking will soon find it easier to plug in at home. The Department for Transport has wrapped up a consultation and confirmed it will establish new permitted development rights for charging cables that cross the pavement, removing the need for a full planning application.

The change targets a common headache for households without driveways: running a cable from a wall-mounted charger to a car parked at the kerb currently requires council approval, which can be slow, costly and inconsistent. By classifying these installations as permitted development, the government aims to speed up charger rollouts and cut red tape for residents who have no off-street option.

The decision could unlock home charging for a significant slice of UK motorists who have so far been left out. It also provides a regulatory template that other regions may study as they look for ways to extend charging access without waiting for public infrastructure to catch up.