Proposed GPDO changes: current consultations in England

Proposed GPDO changes are not permitted development rights until the necessary legislation is made and comes into force. This page tracks the main live proposals affecting the English General Permitted Development Order and separates firm government intentions from consultations which are still awaiting an outcome.

For rights which are already law, use the current GPDO section or the 2015 GPDO amendment archive.

EV charging legislation made: starts 21st October 2026

The EV charging reforms have moved beyond an announcement. SI 2026/1056 was made on 25th September 2026 and laid on 30th September. The new and amended rights take effect on 21st October 2026, not immediately.

The Order expands domestic charger rights, introduces Part 9 Class F for authorised cross-pavement channels and allows multiple units of non-domestic charging equipment housing within a cumulative 45 cubic metre limit, subject to safeguards. It also changes electricity apparatus-chamber rights. Read the Class D, Class E and Part 9 Class F guidance for the limits and separate highway authorisation.

Small non-domestic wind turbines

A consultation published on 18th March 2026 proposed a new permitted development right for small-scale, non-domestic onshore wind turbines in England. The consultation closed on 10th June 2026.

The government proposed a right aimed at businesses, farms and public-sector sites, subject to limits and conditions. It did not propose widening the existing domestic wind turbine rights or creating a new right for larger repowering or community energy schemes.

The consultation document said the government aimed to publish its response in autumn 2026. No new right should be assumed until that response and any resulting legislation are published.

Read the onshore wind consultation on GOV.UK.

Schools, community assets, defence sites and conservation

On 10th June 2026 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consulted on a package of further GPDO changes. The consultation is now closed. The RAAC school element has since been legislated for in SI 2026/1056: from 21st October 2026, Class CB’s three-year period becomes five years and its final expiry moves to 11.59 pm on 24th October 2028. This Order does not implement the other listed proposals.

The package covered:

• extending the temporary right for schools affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete
• removing assets of community value from the demolition permitted development right
• changes to the Crown permitted development right for closed defence sites
• new permitted development flexibilities for conservation measures within Environmental Delivery Plans

Read the consultation on GOV.UK.

Electricity network ground investigations

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted on a new permitted development right for low-impact temporary ground investigations and surveys connected with electricity network projects. The consultation ran from 6th August to 4th September 2026.

The proposed right is intended to reduce delay before electricity network projects while retaining conditions and environmental safeguards. The consultation is closed and no new right is yet in force.

Read the electricity network consultation on GOV.UK.

When do proposed GPDO changes become law?

A consultation, ministerial announcement or government response does not itself amend the GPDO. The change normally needs a statutory instrument which amends the 2015 Order and states when the new provisions come into force.

That distinction matters in practice. A proposal may change during drafting, be delayed or never be implemented. If you are planning work now, check the current Class rather than designing around an announced future right.

Follow the GPDO timeline

Current 2015 GPDO and amendment archive | GPDO timeline | Permitted Development home

Proposed GPDO changes updated: 1st October 2026