Electric Vehicle Charging Point Guidance
We recognise that the use of electric vehicles in the UK is growing. This information is to give you guidance to make an informed decision when applying for consent for an electric vehicle charging point.
Many leases/transfers will advise that if you would like to carry out improvements, additions or alterations to any areas under your demise including a parking bay, you must obtain our written consent before starting work. Consent would not be unreasonably withheld however we will need to be sure that these improvements will not damage the structure of the property or area and, where necessary, that appropriate approvals have been obtained from the local authority.
Please do not order your electric vehicle before consent has been granted for the location of the EV charging point.
Car Park Spaces
We are only able to grant consent for vehicles to be charged in a parking area that is part of your demise and confirmed in your lease plan. We are unable to grant any consent for vehicles to be charge in any visitor bays or unallocated bays.
Charging cables
You will need to include your proposed plan for cables when charging your vehicle. You will need to include any pictures to demonstrate the proposed plan.
Kent Country Council’s current position advises it is against the law to place your own charger on public roads or run charging cables across paths. It is dangerous for pedestrians and could stop people with mobility impairments from using the path. Therefore, we would not be able to grant consent for you to run charging cables across paths.
Please note further advice below to consider before submitting your application.
- Houses that have driveways within the demise of their properties will generally be approved as the car can be charged without charging cables being a hazard to others in the neighbourhood.
- Houses with parking bays outside their property will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This will depend on the expected foot traffic across the footpath between the house and the car. If allowed, a caveat would be put in place whereby a cable cover should be used and charging only in daylight hours when at all possible.
- Houses with a car park or street parking set up with public footpath owned by Kent Highways would not be granted consent.
- Flats with allocated parking, in most cases would not be possible to grant consent however may be possible in certain cases.
Defect Period
Properties that are still under the defect period can be considered for consent. Please note that any alterations would null and void the defect cover for any areas altered.
Type of Charging points
There are different types of charging points that are available. Please include in your application the location on which your charger is proposed to be installed and the specification of the charger. Please include any brochure from the manufacturers as well as a picture of the proposed location
Application Process
If you wish to proceed with an application for consent you will need to complete a request for alterations form.
Request for alterations form
- Please include the following in your application:
- Type of charger (including specifications)
- Location of where charging stand to be placed with pictures
- Location of car parking space with pictures
- Details of the cable run needed from charging stand to vehicle.
Pictorial plan would be useful.
Once your application has been received, your proposals will then be assessed by our surveyors. This may require a visit to the property both prior to and following the works, if consent is given. Please be aware that it can take up to 28 days for us to consider the request.
If you are unsure if your proposal will cross Kent Highways land, then you can check on their website
Public and private roads - Kent County Council
Further information around Kent County Council restrictions on charging can be found on their website.