Drivers without a driveway can now run a charging cable under the pavement to their car without first seeking planning permission. The UK government says the change, which took effect on 21 October 2026, could cut installation costs by up to £300.
What has changed for home charging?
From 21 October 2026, households in the UK no longer need planning permission to install cross-pavement EV chargers. These systems run a cable through a channel under the pavement. That links a home’s electricity supply to a car parked on the street. Until now, the planning step added time and cost to each installation.
The Department for Transport says scrapping that requirement will save drivers up to £300 on installation. That figure is a government estimate, so real savings will vary by property and installer. Even so, the change removes one of the hurdles that has put many people off. The government describes it as one of its ‘everyday fixes’ to help with the cost of living.
Why is it important for drivers without a driveway?
Most cheap EV charging happens at home, on domestic electricity. However, drivers who park on the street have often relied on public chargers, which usually cost more. According to the government, cross-pavement systems open up home charging for as little as 2p per mile.
The government also estimates that residents without off-street parking could save up to £1,750 on running costs. Again, these are official estimates. Your own figure will depend on your tariff, your car and how far you drive.
Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, welcomed the move. “This might look like a small planning change, but for someone without a driveway, it could make the difference between being able to afford an electric car and ruling one out altogether,” she said.
She added that the association’s research found 60% of petrol and diesel drivers without off-street parking would never consider an EV. “Being able to connect a car parked on the street to cheaper home electricity could help change that,” she said. She also said it’s now up to local authorities and landlords to make these solutions easier to access in practice.
What about larger public charging hubs?
The reforms reach beyond the front door. Changes to permitted development rights mean charge point operators can now install larger, higher-powered public charging hubs more quickly and cheaply. The government hasn’t put a figure on those savings. Still, a faster route to approval should help operators add capacity where demand is growing.
What do property experts think?
Dickson Abegunde, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Zoopla, said access to charging can be an important factor when buyers choose a home. He called the removal of planning requirements for qualifying cross-pavement solutions “another welcome step towards making EV ownership more accessible”, especially for households without off-street parking.
He also pointed out that Zoopla lets buyers find nearby on-street chargers and search for homes with EV charging facilities.
How fast are electric car sales growing?
According to the government, September 2026 was another record month for UK electric car sales. Buyers took home nearly 100,000 electric cars, up 36 per cent on a year earlier.
The government credits its Electric Car Grant with boosting demand. The scheme has now helped more than 190,000 drivers save up to £3,750 off a new EV.
Buses and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “We’re saving drivers up to £300 off the cost of installing home charging by cutting unnecessary red tape.” He added that the EV transition is “in full swing”.
Could renters and leaseholders get easier access too?
Alongside the planning change, the government has launched two consultations. The first focuses on tenants and leaseholders. It proposes clear guidance for landlords on how to handle requests for a charge point. The government is also considering mandatory requirements that would make it harder for landlords and freeholders to refuse.
The second consultation covers building regulations. Under the proposals, new and refurbished covered car parks would have to include charge points.
Both consultations close on 16 December 2026. Anyone can respond to the building regulations consultation or the tenants and leaseholders consultation on GOV.UK. So if you rent, own a leasehold flat or manage a car park, now’s the time to have your say.
