Installing an electric chargepoint on your property

If you have access to off street parking such as a driveway or garage at home you may be able to install your own home electric vehicle charge point on your property.

Planning permission is not generally required as long as the area is lawfully used for off–street parking.  However certain criteria must be met for the installation to be considered permitted development. 

Guidance on planning requirements can be found on the Planning Portal.

Council Housing tenants

In general, tenants may be able to install a charging point if they have adequate off-street parking or hard-standing at their property. This ensures you can store your vehicle off the highway and that trailing cables do not pose any health and safety hazards.

Tenants can apply to install an electrical vehicle charger at home. Applications should be submitted in writing:

• by e-mail: repairspolicy&improvementsteam@sheffield.gov.uk
• by post: Housing and Neighbourhood Service PO Box 5967 Sheffield S2 9GH 
• to a local neighbourhood office

A dedicated officer will be assigned to assess the application.

Trailing cables

Charging your vehicle by trailing a cable across the pavement, or hanging it overhead, is considered a hazard and not permitted even with the use of cable protectors or ramps. 

If you do:

• any legal liability arising from the placement of a cable or protector, such as injury to a member of the public or damages to the public highways, is your responsibility
• Sheffield City Council has existing powers under Section 162 of the Highways Act to seek to have the cable removed
• failure to remove the cable could result in a fine upon conviction under Section 162 and / or Section 178 of the Highways Act

Innovative solutions

Innovative solutions such as cable channels and gulleys will be kept under review as the outcomes of trials are further understood, technology developed and practical issues explored.

You cannot currently install a cable gully or channel in the public highway.