I think there's a massive difference between my installation and theirs. They are almost certainly a very poor DIY install, not only do they look unsightly they must be heavily shaded, so not very effective. Clearly the home owner didn't have the skil or knowledge to do a roof installation, and didn't want to pay for a proper install.I'll be honest i'm not convinced with wall mounted ones. Theres a house near my parents with none on the roof, but the walls are covered. I'd imagine its planning related
I'd be very surprised if that roof is at end of life, it will just be as I've said aboveThe roof may also be in very poor condition and is effectively at the end of its life.
And as Fraser says, very unlikely to be planning related, it won't be a listed building, could be a conservation zone, but then they'd still need permission for wall mount.