**Proposed Rules to Revolutionise Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Wales**
Significant regulatory changes are on the horizon for Welsh motorists as the Welsh Government looks to overhaul planning laws surrounding road and driveway usage, echoing recent reforms introduced in England. The move aims to simplify the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers for homeowners, as part of a wider push to encourage the transition to greener transport options and hit critical emissions targets.
Earlier this week, England enacted a new regulation eliminating the need for planning permission for installing EV charging points at private residences. This change is designed to cut through bureaucratic red tape, with the objective of significantly reducing waiting times — sometimes by several months — and potentially saving drivers an estimated £1,100 each year. Welsh authorities are now consulting on similar proposals, in a bid to harmonise development rules across neighbouring nations and accelerate the rollout of EV infrastructure.
In April, the Welsh Government launched a public consultation which proposes lifting some of the current restrictions on where and how EV charge points may be constructed. Notably, plans indicate the removal of the existing rule barring installations within two metres of a public highway. Additionally, there are discussions to permit charging stations up to 2.7 metres in height under certain conditions, further aligning Wales with policies abroad.
Government officials have highlighted the urgent need to expand the network of EV charging points throughout the country. According to a recent government statement, increasing the availability of charging infrastructure is essential to prepare for the rising use of electric vehicles, especially considering ambitious targets to reach net zero emissions and the nationwide ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030-2035.
Further facilitating the transition to electric cars, the consultation details additional proposed changes to permitted development rights — including the installation of air source heat pumps and enhancing recreational campsite rights. These reforms fall under the broader goal of creating a modern, environmentally responsible transport ecosystem in Wales.
Welsh Government representatives maintain that reliable and far-reaching charging infrastructure is crucial for meeting predicted demand and supporting zero-emission vehicle strategies. The proposed planning changes are seen as essential steps to ensure that Wales does not fall behind other parts of the UK or miss out on economic opportunities related to the green transition.
In England, the rollout of these relaxed planning rules has been positively received by industry leaders and government ministers. Lilian Greenwood, England’s Future of Roads Minister, hailed the move as a key milestone for the “EV revolution,” highlighting over £2.3 billion in planned public investment to back drivers and bolster domestic car manufacturers. Greenwood emphasised the broader economic benefits, from job creation to increased international investment.
Industry voices have echoed the Government’s optimism. Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at Osprey Charging Network, called the changes a “real difference” for accelerating development. Gardiner explained that removing the need for extensive planning applications will considerably reduce project delays and costs, directly benefiting the pace of charging hub installations nationwide.
Data compiled by Autotrader indicates a sharp increase in the UK’s EV charger network — rising from 30,000 installations at the end of 2021 to an impressive 77,000 as of March 2025. This surge reflects both increased public interest in electric vehicles and the effectiveness of regulatory efforts to promote EV adoption.
The Welsh Government’s consultation, which closes on 1 July 2025, represents an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to have their say on the proposed reforms. With Wales seeking to keep pace with developments elsewhere in the UK, these proposed changes could mark a critical step forward in the nation’s shift towards sustainable transport and clean energy.
As the nation awaits the outcome of the consultation, many eyes will be on Cardiff to see if and when these transformative new rules become law — potentially ushering in a new era for driving, infrastructure and environmental policy across Wales.