Watsons have previously advised residents that the installation of solar panels on house roofs is not permitted. While this may have been the case during the construction phase of the development, it is no longer accurate.
There are two separate permission issues that residents should consider when thinking about installing solar panels.
Although many permitted development rights were removed from The Chocolate Works at the time of planning approval, the permitted development right for solar panels remains in place.
City of York Council (CYC) Planning has confirmed, in response to a householder enquiry, that:
While this has been the experience of several householders, residents must check that the same position applies to their individual property before proceeding.
The property transfer document (TP1) includes a covenant that prohibits the installation of solar panels without the express consent of the developer.
During the construction phase of the development, it is likely that Barratt/David Wilson Homes (B/DWH) would have refused such consent. However, this position has now changed. A number of residents have successfully applied for and been granted permission by B/DWH, who no longer appear to object to rooftop solar installations.
While this has been the experience of several householders, residents must check that the same position applies to their individual property before proceeding.
Installation Standards
Any solar panel installation must be carried out by a suitably qualified electrician, preferably one who is MCS-certified, to ensure compliance with current electrical and safety standards.
Consideration for Others
Householders are encouraged to give careful thought to the siting and orientation of any proposed solar panels, taking into account the potential impact on neighbouring properties. This is particularly important where nearby apartment blocks may overlook the installation.
Glint and glare can occur in certain conditions and, if not properly considered, may cause inconvenience to neighbours. Thoughtful positioning at the outset can help avoid concerns and ensure installations remain consistent with the terms of the TP1 (i.e., not cause a nuisance to others) and good neighbourly practice.
Further Information
Residents who are considering installing solar panels are welcome to contact the CWRA Committee. The committee can:
Provide general guidance on the process.
Privacy Policy | Website by Design@79
Membership of the Chocolate Works Residents Association (CWRA) is open to all residents of The Chocolate Works, and is not available to non-residents.
Membership is currently free of charge and carries no obligations. Individual members of the same household may register independently if they wish.
To confirm your eligibility, please complete the form below. Once verified, you will be sent an email containing a username and password that will allow you to access resident-only information on the CWRA web portal.
The CWRA committee acts in the best interests of residents and is made up entirely of unpaid volunteers. We are not agents or employees. Please allow a few days for your request to be processed.
If you require urgent assistance, please contact Watson Property Management, the managing agents for The Chocolate Works, by email at enq@watsonpm.co.uk or by telephone on 0113 273 8788 (available 24 hours a day).
Your details will be stored securely and will never be shared with third parties. We will only contact you with information directly relevant to The Chocolate Works, such as occasional newsletters or important announcements. You may opt out of emails at any time. Emails from us will always contain an unsubscribe button.
Membership of the Chocolate Works Residents Association (CWRA) is open to all residents of The Chocolate Works, and is not available to non-residents.
Membership is currently free of charge and carries no obligations. Individual members of the same household may register independently if they wish.
To confirm your eligibility, please complete the form below. Once verified, you will be sent an email containing a username and password that will allow you to access resident-only information on the CWRA web portal.
The CWRA committee acts in the best interests of residents and is made up entirely of unpaid volunteers. We are not agents or employees. Please allow a few days for your request to be processed.
If you require urgent assistance, please contact Watson Property Management, the managing agents for The Chocolate Works, by email at enq@watsonpm.co.uk or by telephone on 0113 273 8788 (available 24 hours a day).
Your details will be stored securely and will never be shared with third parties. We will only contact you with information directly relevant to The Chocolate Works, such as occasional newsletters or important announcements. You may opt out of emails at any time. Emails from us will always contain an unsubscribe button.
Please use the login credentials you were provided with when you registered.