We were commissioned by Dalkia Energy, on behalf of Cardiff University, to support the University’s commitment to becoming net zero. Several Investment Grade Audits (IGA) were produced to identify a comprehensive list of energy conservation measures to deliver significant energy costs and carbon savings.
All ‘development’ requires planning permission to be obtained. However, there are some circumstances in which planning permission is not required, as defined by the Town and County Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (as amended). The installation of roof solar panels does not require planning permission if certain conditions apply.
The proposal is for the installation of solar panels on the John Percival building at Cardiff University. EP assessed the site and the proposals to advise on the appropriate consenting route. We submitted an application for a ‘Lawful Development Certificate’ (LDC) which sets out how the proposals met the criteria of the GDPO. The granting of an LDC confirms that the local planning authority are of the view that the proposals meet the relevant criteria for ‘permitted development’. The application was approved in July 2024 with no requests for further information, demonstrating the thoroughness and unambiguous nature of our submitted application and understanding of Welsh Planning Policy. It is anticipated that the solar panels will be installed in late 2024 or early 2025.