Local Listed Building Consent Order: Rooftop solar panels within Clifton Conservation Area
We are proposing a Local Listed Building Consent (LLBC) Order for the pdf Clifton Conservation Area(7.44 MB) .
Subject to conditions outlined in the pdf LLBC Order(839 KB) , this would remove the need for listed building consent to add rooftop solar panels to residential grade II and II* listed properties in the area.
The aim is to remove unnecessary planning barriers for residents aiming to help the city meet its net zero climate targets.
This is being trialled for the Clifton area where a large proportion of the city’s listed buildings are located. If the trial proves a success, then it is proposed to roll out the approach to other neighbourhoods subject to further consultation.
The area and properties covered by the draft Order:
Why we're consulting
We are consulting you now so we can take your views and suggestions into account - before a decision is made by Planning Committee on whether to make this proposed order in Clifton. Your feedback will also help us review if changes to the terms of the draft order would be beneficial. We want to hear your views on the draft to ensure that the scope and conditions of the Order will have the maximum benefits for residents without impacting the historic environment in the area.
This is a statutory requirement before the Order can come into effect.
Closed for feedback
Ended: 25 April 2025
What happens next
All responses to this consultation will be analysed and the feedback will help us develop final proposals for the Local Listed Building Consent Order for the Clifton Conservation Area.
The council’s Planning Committee will consider these proposals in spring 2025 and decide whether to proceed with making the Order. The Planning Committee will take responses to the consultation into consideration when making its decisions.
Further information
What is a Local Listed Building Consent Order (LLBCO) and what is it needed for?
A Local Listed Building Consent Order (LLBCO) for solar panels is proposed for the Clifton Conservation Area. This would make the process of installing solar panels easier and quicker whilst ensuring the preservation of Clifton’s listed buildings and the area’s historic character.
LLBCOs provide consent for certain types of works, as defined by the Order, that would otherwise require listed building consent. In this case, it grants consent for householders of Grade 2 and Grade 2* listed residential buildings within the Clifton Conservation Area to install solar panels on the roofs of their properties.
At the same time, LLBCOs can specify types of works and buildings it applies to as well as conditions under which the works are allowed to be carried out. This helps to ensure the preservation of the historic environment in accordance with national policy and guidelines.
The conditions under which the installation works can be carried out are defined by the Order and the area and buildings to which the Order applies is shown on the included map.
Why does this only apply to Clifton?
The City of Bristol is characterised by a rich historic environment with over 4,000 listed buildings. Approximately 25% (1307) of the city’s listed assets lie within the Clifton Conservation Area and the majority of these are residential properties.
The preparation for the Clifton LLBCO involved a detailed visual impact assessment so that the council could be sure that the introduction of solar panels would not harm the visual qualities of the neighbourhood. Similar impact assessments would be a requirement for other areas where LLBCOs are proposed.
It is a requirement of the Order that the council undertakes annual reviews of the LLBCO area. If these reviews show that the LLBCO has been successful in enabling the take up of solar panels without inappropriate impacts, then the approach may be rolled out to other areas, subject to further consultation.
What difference will the LLBCO make?
In recognition of the Climate Emergency, the council has set out its ambition for the City of Bristol to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Solar energy is one of the most common types of renewable energy that can help to reduce carbon emissions. Solar panels could also cut household electricity bills in half if selected and installed properly.
Normally the installation of solar panels to the roofs of a listed building would require listed building consent which can be a discouragement. The Clifton LLBCO would remove the need for consent for these works on Grade 2 and Grade 2* listed residential buildings and therefore aims to encourage more residents to help the city meet its 2030 target.
An accompanying guidance document will be produced to further assist residents.
Key dates
- Start date: 27 March 2025
- End date: 25 April 2025