As the UK government encourages renewable energy solutions like heat pumps to help meet Net Zero targets, many homeowners are considering this eco-friendly option. A common question that arises is whether planning permission is needed for a heat pump installation.
Heat Pumps and Permitted Development Rights
In many cases, installing a heat pump is classified as a “permitted development,” meaning you don’t need to inform your local council or seek planning permission. However, this status applies only if certain conditions are met, designed to ensure the heat pump does not cause noise disturbances or encroach on neighboring properties.
Conditions for Permitted Development
General Location Restrictions
For both air source and ground source heat pumps, planning permission will be required if:
- The property is listed: Listed buildings have specific protection and usually require council approval for alterations.
- The property is in a conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): Additional planning restrictions are in place to preserve these areas, which can affect the installation of equipment like heat pumps.If your property is not listed and is outside a conservation area, it may still qualify as a permitted development under the following specific conditions.
If your property isn’t listed and isn’t in a conservation area, it may qualify as a permitted development under the conditions below.
Air Source Heat Pumps
To qualify as a permitted development, an air source heat pump installation must meet these criteria:
- Outdoor Unit Distance: The unit must be at least one meter from the property boundary. This can be challenging for homes with limited space, such as terraced houses.
- Size Limitation: The unit volume must not exceed 0.6 cubic meters. Larger units often don’t meet this requirement, as they include extra acoustic padding for noise reduction.
- Heating Only: The system must only be used for heating. Systems that provide both heating and cooling may not qualify.
- Noise Impact: The installation must pass an MCS noise impact assessment, ensuring noise won’t disturb neighbors. An MCS-accredited installer can assess this, which is also a requirement for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
For The requirements for ground source heat pumps are slightly different:
- System Rating: The system must not exceed 45kW, a limit that usually covers residential needs but may exclude larger installations.
- Property Boundaries: The installation must remain within the property’s curtilage.
If these criteria are met, your heat pump installation could qualify as a permitted development, simplifying the process and potentially reducing costs.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Homeowners may qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a government initiative offering up to £7,500 off installation costs. To access this incentive, the installation must meet requirements for noise, placement, and size, as verified by an MCS-accredited installer. This scheme aims to make heat pumps more accessible by reducing the initial cost.
Learn more about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme on our dedicated page.
When Planning Permission is Needed
If your property doesn’t meet the criteria for permitted development, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. This can often be the case for properties with limited outdoor space or those requiring larger heat pumps. Here’s what you should know:
- Council Approval: Although many councils are increasingly supportive of renewable energy initiatives, some still impose strict regulations on heat pump installations, which can complicate the process.
- BS4142 Noise Report: Some councils require a BS4142 noise report, originally for commercial noise assessment, now used to evaluate residential heat pump noise. This report compares heat pump noise to the quietest background noise at your property.
- Noise Thresholds: In some cases, councils require that heat pump noise levels be lower than the quietest 10% of background noise, a strict standard that may need additional soundproofing measures.
- Acoustic Enclosures: If your heat pump doesn’t meet the noise threshold, you may need an acoustic enclosure. While effective, these enclosures can add to the overall cost and time needed for installation.
Navigating the Planning Permission Process
The planning process can be complex. At Better Planet, we offer services to guide you through the application process, managing noise assessments, acoustic requirements, and council applications to ensure compliance with necessary standards.
Conclusion: Do You Need Planning Permission for a Heat Pump?
Whether you need planning permission for your heat pump depends on factors like property type, heat pump specifications, and local council regulations. Permitted development rules allow for straightforward installations, but planning permission may be necessary if you don’t meet the criteria.
If you’re considering a heat pump and are uncertain about planning requirements, reach out to Better Planet. We’ll guide you through the application process and help bring renewable heating to your home.
By Oliver Larsson
