How do I go about getting an EV Charger to my allocated parking space?

How do I go about getting an EV Charger to my allocated parking space?

In today's world where we are encouraged to go green and embrace electric vehicles, there is still a way to go to make it accessible for everyone. Whilst more and more EV charging points are being installed all the time, it's not always an easy option to charge up overnight if you live in a flat or a house with allocated parking away from the house, let alone street parking. How do you get an EV charger to your designated parking area and just how viable is it?

Here's a bit of guidance to see if this could be an option for you:

1. Check Land Ownership

• If your parking space is on your own land, or directly adjacent to your property, it's simpler.

• If your space is part of a communal area (common in new builds, flats, or estates), you'll likely need:

  • Permission from the freeholder or management company.

  • A wayleave agreement if cables need to cross land you don't own.

2. Contact the Managing Agent or Landowner

• If it’s a new-build estate, find out who the managing company is.

• You’ll need written permission to install and run cabling across any communal or third-party areas.

• Ashford Borough Council may be involved only if the land is council-owned or crosses public footpaths.

3. Speak to a Certified EV Charger Installer

• Ask for a site survey to check:

  • Distance from your consumer unit (fuse box) to the parking space.

  • Feasibility of cable routing.

  • Cost for armoured cabling and trenching.

• Choose an OZEV-approved installer, as you may qualify for the EV Chargepoint Grant (especially if you're in a flat or rental).

4. Wayleave or Easement (if needed)

• If cable crosses land you don't own, you need a wayleave.

  • This is a legal agreement giving you permission to install and maintain a cable.

  • Your installer or solicitor can help draft this.

• It can take several weeks to months to arrange, depending on the landowner.

5. Planning Permission (Rarely Needed)

You usually don’t need planning permission if:

• You’re not changing the external appearance of your home significantly.

• The work is within permitted development rights. (Do check this though with Ashford Borough Council)

But you might need it if:

• The charger is going in a conservation area or near a listed building.

• You're running above-ground cabling across communal or visible areas.

Ashford Borough Council's planning portal:
? https://www.ashford.gov.uk/planning

Cost Estimate (for remote parking installs)

• £1,500 – £4,000+ is typical if trenching and long-distance cabling is involved.

• Costs increase with:

  • Distance

  • Ground type (e.g. paving vs grass)

  • Need for barriers, trenching permits, or reinstatement

 Alternative Solutions

If permission is denied or impractical, consider:

• Using a heavy-duty removable cable protector to run across paths temporarily (council may still need to approve this).

• Lobbying your landlord or residents’ group to install communal EV chargers.

• Installing a solar/battery-powered remote charger (early-stage but improving).

 Local Resources

• Ashford Borough Council Planning Department: 01233 331111

• UK Power Networks (DNO): https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/ – For new connections

• OZEV Grant Info: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles