Solar panels in Edinburgh conservation areas: the rules

Edinburgh has more conservation areas than almost any other Scottish city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers the Old and New Towns. If your home is inside one of these designated areas, the rules for solar panels are different — but they are not a blanket no. In most cases, panels can go on roof slopes that do not face a road. The question is which slope is which, and that depends on your specific address.

What is a conservation area and how does it affect solar?

A conservation area is a designated zone where the local authority seeks to preserve or enhance the character of the area. In Edinburgh there are over fifty conservation areas, including the New Town, Old Town, Dean Village, Stockbridge, Marchmont and Grange. The planning rule for solar panels in a conservation area is that equipment must not sit on a roof slope or wall forming the principal elevation and fronting a road. Rear slopes are usually fine. The survey confirms which rule applies to your address.

What about the Edinburgh World Heritage Site?

The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation covers the Old Town and New Town. It overlaps with conservation area boundaries, but it does not add a separate planning layer — the conservation area rules apply. If your property is inside the World Heritage Site boundary, the same conservation area restrictions apply: panels on the principal roof slope facing a road require planning permission; rear slopes are usually permitted development. We check both designations before we recommend a survey.

Which roof slopes are usually acceptable?

Rear-facing roof slopes — those that do not front a road and do not form the principal elevation — are usually acceptable for solar panels in a conservation area. Side slopes may be acceptable depending on visibility from the street. The key test is whether the equipment would be visible from public viewpoints and whether it would harm the character of the area. The survey assesses this with reference to the specific guidance from City of Edinburgh Council.

What if my building is also listed?

If your building is listed, listed building consent is required before any solar equipment is fitted, regardless of which roof slope is involved. This is a separate process from planning permission and may be required in addition to it. The application is made to the planning authority, and we can advise on the process. The survey confirms whether your property is listed and at what category — A, B or C.

How do I check if my address is in a conservation area?

The City of Edinburgh Council publishes conservation area maps on their planning portal. You can search by postcode. We check your postcode against these maps and the listed building register before we recommend a survey, so you know the rule upfront — before you spend any money or commit to anything. If your property is in a conservation area or is listed, we explain exactly what is and is not permitted before the survey takes place.

Can I appeal if planning permission is refused?

If planning permission is required and refused, you can appeal to the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals within six months. The appeal considers whether the refusal was reasonable given the specific circumstances of your property. We can support an appeal by providing technical information about panel placement, visibility and materials, but we cannot guarantee the outcome.