Applications, appeals, permitted development, enforcement and planning strategy across England
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Part 15: Power related development
Part 15 provides two sets of permitted development rights for energy infrastructure. Class A is for gas transporters; Class B is for statutory undertakers involved in generating, transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity.
Each right lists the type of work allowed and then sets exclusions, notification duties, temporary-work restoration and, for certain buildings, approval of their design and external appearance.
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Permitted development can avoid a full planning application, but only if the right applies and every relevant limit and condition is met. Planning Geek can check the planning history, Article 4 directions and other restrictions, and help with a lawful development certificate or prior approval where needed.
Choose the correct Class
From 21st October 2026: SI 2026/1056, article 8, raises the Class B(a) apparatus-chamber threshold from 29 to 45 cubic metres for chambers at or above ground level or under a highway used by vehicular traffic. Where a chamber exceeds 29 cubic metres, it must not exceed three metres in height, be within five metres of a dwellinghouse, or be on an SSSI or European site. Above 29 cubic metres, any part on article 2(3) land triggers an application before work begins for a determination whether prior approval is required for siting and appearance. The other Class B rules remain.
Class A: Gas transporters covers underground mains, distribution equipment, certain boreholes and operational-land work. The notice and building-design conditions may matter.
Class B: Electricity undertakings covers certain electric lines and associated apparatus, boreholes and operational-land buildings. Overhead lines requiring consent under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 are excluded from B(a).
Read the current Part 15 provisions and the general GPDO limits. Separate statutory consents may be needed. Wales has separate rules.
Page updated: 1st October 2026