Solar panels in Brentwood
171 applications since 1989. 123 approved and 19 refused. Refused: about 1 in 7 here, about 1 in 10 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 9 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- On a pitched roof, no more than 0.2 m proud of the slope and no higher than the highest part of the roof, chimneys aside
- On a flat roof, no more than 0.6 m above the highest part of the roof, chimneys aside
- On a wall, no more than 0.2 m out if it abuts a road, 0.4 m otherwise
- Not on a listed house
- Plug-in panels not on a wooden wall or timber cladding
- Sited to keep the effect on the look of the house and the area as small as possible
England, houses only. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change this. The full rules.
Year by year
| Year | Applications | Approved | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 10 | 1 |
| 2025 | 16 | 12 | 3 |
| 2024 | 25 | 16 | 3 |
| 2023 | 28 | 26 | 1 |
| 2022 | 15 | 12 | 1 |
| 2021 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| 2020 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| 2017 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 2016 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basildon | 41 | 10 | about 1 in 5 |
| Epping Forest | 0 | 0 | none |
| Havering | 99 | 30 | about 1 in 4 |
| Thurrock | 65 | 4 | about 1 in 17 |