Do You Need Planning Permission for a Heat Pump?

In England, air source heat pumps are classified as permitted development, which means you do not need planning permission provided you meet these conditions:

• Only one heat pump on the property (including any already installed). • The unit is not installed on a wall or roof that fronts a highway. • The unit complies with the MCS planning standard (MCS 020) for noise. • It is sited at least 1 metre from the property boundary. • The volume of the unit (including housing) does not exceed 0.6 cubic metres. • On flat roofs, it must not be within 1 metre of the edge.

All of these are straightforward for a standard domestic installation.

You will need to apply for planning permission if:

• Listed building — Listed building consent is needed for any external alteration. • Conservation area — Permitted development rights may be restricted. Check with your local council. • Flat or maisonette — Permitted development rights apply to houses, not flats. • Article 4 direction — Some councils have removed certain permitted development rights.

We check all of this during our survey and advise you before any commitment. If planning permission is needed, we can help with the application.

Regardless of planning permission, all heat pump installations require Building Regulations compliance. As MCS-certified installers, our installations are self-certified and we notify Building Control on your behalf. You will receive an MCS certificate as part of the handover process, which also serves as your Building Regulations compliance certificate.