Solar panels in West Suffolk
312 applications since 2020. 218 approved and 12 refused. Refused: about 1 in 19 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 | 35 | 19 | 1 |
| 2025 | 73 | 42 | 5 |
| 2024 | 47 | 41 | 1 |
| 2023 | 60 | 44 | 0 |
| 2022 | 62 | 52 | 0 |
| 2021 | 27 | 14 | 5 |
| 2020 | 8 | 6 | 0 |
Architects and agents, last 5 years
| Firm | Approved | Decided |
|---|---|---|
| Carlyon Architecture Ltd | 7 | 7 |
| Maude + Edwards Architects | 7 | 7 |
| Lanpro Services Ltd | 6 | 6 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babergh Mid Suffolk | 226 | 22 | about 1 in 11 |
| East Cambridgeshire | 219 | 9 | about 1 in 25 |
| Kings Lynn | 314 | 13 | about 1 in 25 |
| South Cambridgeshire | 694 | 51 | about 1 in 15 |