From Wednesday, October 21, 2026, eligible households in England without driveways will be able to install pavement cable channels for home electric vehicle (EV) charging without a standard planning application. However, local highway authority authorisation is still required, and conservation areas are excluded from the relaxed rules.
Surge in Interest in Energy Efficiency
The change comes as searches for EV charging points have soared by 658% in the past year, according to research by property finance experts Together. Interest in smart heating controls rose by 250%, while searches for triple glazing and heat pumps increased by 144% and 105% respectively.
Cost remains a major hurdle for many households. Half of Britons say it is the biggest obstacle to improving their home's energy efficiency, while 34% want to make upgrades but cannot afford them. Solar panels were named the most desirable improvement for adding value to a home.
Homeowners View Efficiency as Investment
Ryan Etchells, chief commercial officer at Together, said: "Homeowners are increasingly viewing energy efficiency as an investment in their property, rather than simply a way to reduce household bills. Buyers are placing greater importance on the long-term cost of running a home, and features that reduce energy bills are becoming increasingly attractive."
The new rule aims to make life easier for residents, but the caveats mean that not all households will be able to take advantage without additional approvals.
