Installing EV charging points – What developers should know

The legal implications of the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points for organisations including housing associations, local authorities and developers, came under the spotlight at this year’s Clarke Willmott Housing Week.

The issue, the subject of one of 13 webinars hosted by the firm’s specialist social housing team, looked at the law concerning the installation of EV charging points in new build developments and the upgrading of existing estates to meet green targets.

Kate Silverman, a partner in Clarke Willmott LLP’s social housing team and host of the ‘EV Charging Points – what you need to know’ webinar, said there were a range of different issues from the legal side to think about when installing EV points.

“Britain is now home to some 50,000 charging points, however, there is still a huge way to go in terms of rolling that out and residential developers are at the forefront of that roll out,” said Kate Silverman, who specialises in housing development and regeneration.

“This is very much an emerging area and it’s important to look at some of the things to consider and be aware of as the charging points become more prevalent across the country.

“In any dealings it is important to make sure that you comply with consumer protection rules – everything to do with the law relating to fairness of terms and transparency of pricing would be engaged here.

“When you are installing EV points, there are a huge range of things to consider – construction, planning, consumer regulation, energy law, property. It is complex and I would advise taking legal advice at the outset.”

The Housing Week series concluded with a webinar on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) – one of the hottest topics in construction at present.

Tom Plow who hosted the discussion, said: “Given the material was popular between the 1950s and mid-1990s, many original contractors and designers might no longer be around making it difficult to seek any legal redress.

“There are several barriers to making a claim, but it is not impossible. It is still recommended initial investigations are completed to determine whether there is a claim and it’s all judged on a case-by-case basis. If unsure, it would be wise to seek advice, whether that be from a surveyor, structural engineer, or a solicitor.”

Vicky Kells, joint head of Clarke Willmott’s social housing sector, said the Housing Week had proved as popular as ever. “Not only did the variety of topics showcase our expertise across a full spectrum of issues affecting the social housing sector in England and Wales, but it also provided an excellent forum for sharing ideas and knowledge with others.”

Lindsay Felstead, who heads up the social housing team alongside Vicky Kells, said: “Clarke Willmott has a well-established reputation in the property and social housing sectors and our Housing Week has become a key event on the industry’s calendar.”

Clarke Willmott’s team of specialist social housing solicitors is one of the largest in the UK, acting for over 100 Registered Providers as well as major frameworks including HALA, CHIC, SEC and ASW.

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton and is, this year, celebrating its 135th anniversary.