Change planning rules so external solar-shading measures e.g. awnings, canopies, brise soleil, external blinds and shutters are listed and treated as permitted development to help reduce overheating in homes and workplaces, including in conservation areas, if heritage-sensitive conditions are met.

UK homes are overheating as heatwaves intensify, putting health at risk, especially for older, disabled, low-income and medically vulnerable people. External shading can help cut solar gain before heat enters, reducing reliance on costly air conditioning. We are concerned that planning barriers, especially in conservation areas, make this harder for those least able to cope. We believe a clear permitted-development right for external solar-shading measures, with design safeguards, would support fair, low-carbon climate adaptation.