The "GPDO Part 14 Classes A and B - LDC Appeal Decisions" document has been updated to include 1 additional appeal decision relating to solar panels on domestic premises, for which the conclusions are as follows:

July 2026 - Code P14CAB-023 (appeal dismissed):

• This appeal decision provides an example of where the Inspector assessed the solar panels against conditions A.2(a) and A.2(b) (which require that such equipment is, so far as practicable, sited so as to minimise its effect on (a) “the external appearance of the building” and (b) “the amenity of the area”) and concluded that this would be unacceptable.
  [Conclusion: The solar panels on the south-west front roof slope of the main house do not comply with A.2(a) and A.2(b)].
• Conditions A.2(a) and A.2(b) do affect the colour or design (or similar) of the solar panels. (*)
  [Note: This appeal decision implies (rather than states) this conclusion].
  [Quote: “However, at my site visit, the roof tiles appeared light grey, whereas the proposed ‘all black’ panels would create a clear visual contrast. This colour may be an intrinsic property of these particular panels or the standard, most efficient colour for generating electricity. Nonetheless, the array would cover virtually half of the [south-west] front roof slope. Despite the retained narrow tiled margins to the ridge, eaves and gable, the absolute and proportionate extent of the array would materially adversely affect the external appearance of the roof and the house overall. [...] I appreciate that some aspects of the arrays design would help to mitigate its physical and visual presence. I also accept that conditions A.2(a) and A.2(b) do not stipulate that there must be ‘no impact’. However, there is little evidence that the array must be this size or in extent of black panels in this particular position on this side of the main [south-west] front roof slope, as the only means to achieve meaningful, cost effective electricity generation.”].

Notes:

• To view the conclusions, summaries, and decision notices for any of the above appeals, please view the "GPDO Part 14 Classes A and B - LDC Appeal Decisions" document. As a member of the Planning Jungle website, you can view the decision notices for all of the appeals on the website for no extra cost.
• Any of the above conclusions marked with a "(*)" contradict other appeal decisions. The "Reference Section" within the above document indicates how many appeals have supported and contradicted each particular conclusion.