Solar panels in Waltham Forest
202 applications since 2019. 103 approved and 46 refused. Refused: about 1 in 3 here, about 1 in 10 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 8 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 | 31 | 9 | 5 |
| 2025 | 24 | 11 | 6 |
| 2024 | 44 | 24 | 10 |
| 2023 | 42 | 21 | 13 |
| 2022 | 27 | 18 | 5 |
| 2021 | 16 | 8 | 4 |
| 2020 | 9 | 5 | 2 |
| 2019 | 9 | 7 | 1 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enfield | 238 | 75 | about 1 in 4 |
| Epping Forest | 0 | 0 | none |
| Hackney | 220 | 28 | about 1 in 9 |
| Haringey | 334 | 41 | about 1 in 9 |
| Newham | 114 | 15 | about 1 in 9 |
| Redbridge | 52 | 11 | about 1 in 6 |