To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what actions are being taken to update the permitted development planning (i) fees; and (ii) criteria to include larger ground mounted solar photovoltaic panels for domestic use.

Part 2 of the Schedule to the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 sets out the permitted development rights for the installation of domestic microgeneration equipment. Class C provides permitted development rights for the installation, alteration or replacement of stand alone solar within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse, subject to certain conditions and limitations, including a 2 metre height restriction, without requiring a planning application.

Permitted development does not attract a planning fee.

I have currently no plans to review these permitted development rights at this stage.