A boss of one of Swindon’s leading electrical contractors has welcomed changes to EV charging regulations that could make home charging more accessible.
Peter McCallum is joint managing director of The Electrical Compliance Collective Ltd (TECC).
Since 2006, TECC Ltd have helped thousands of customers across domestic, commercial and public sectors with electrical support and safety.
They regularly install EV chargers on commercial and domestic properties.
The installation of EV chargers was a process littered with red tape. To install an EV charger across a pavement, planning permission would be needed.
This arduous journey to gain planning permission restricted many households and businesses from providing vital, more eco-friendly, infrastructure.
This has changed. From 21st October 2026, individuals no longer need planning permission to install cross-pavement EV chargers, though they do need to consult with their local authority.
Peter believes the changes represent a positive step forward for homeowners and the electrical industry.
“There’s a great benefit to the removal of this red tape for Swindon and Wiltshire businesses and homeowners." he said.
“We really welcome this change in legislation. Until now, many people who don't have a driveway have faced significant barriers to accessing or installing a home EV charger, so this opens opportunities for homeowners who previously wouldn't have had that option.”
This legislation reform, he says, makes it easier for those without driveways and should save around £300 per installation of an EV charger.
“The changes to permitted development rights will make it easier for homeowners without driveways to install EV charging points.
"It will open home charging to many households that rely on public charging facilities,” Peter said.
The positive impact on households is evident. However, Peter draws attention to the impact on commercial premises.
“The new rules will simplify certain planning requirements for EV charging infrastructure in commercial car parks and make it easier for businesses to expand their charging facilities.
“This eases the pressure for employees, customers and company vehicles.”
However, not all red tape has been removed.
Despite the removal of planning permission in England, approval is still required from the Highways Authority for the pavement crossing and additional restrictions apply to conservation areas and listed buildings.
Peter still sees this as a positive step.
“It's a positive step for the electrical industry as it creates more opportunities for qualified installers all while making electric vehicle ownership more accessible,” he said.
“It's also a step in the right direction environmentally.
“If we're serious about encouraging more people to switch to electric vehicles and reduce transport emissions, we need to make charging at home a realistic option for as many households as possible.”
TECC Ltd is a family-run electrical contractor, owned by joint managing directors Peter and Maria McCallum, which provides domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services, including EV charger installations, solar PV, battery storage and electrical compliance testing. For more information, people can visit visit https://tecc.ltd/
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