Permitted Development Rules
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.
Exceptions: When You Do Need Permission
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.
Building Regulations
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.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases no — air source heat pumps are permitted development in England provided conditions on siting, size and noise are met. We confirm your specific situation during the survey.
One heat pump per property, sited at least 1 metre from the boundary, not fronting a highway, within the 0.6m³ volume limit and compliant with the MCS 020 noise standard. Standard domestic installs comfortably meet these.
Usually yes — listed buildings need listed building consent for external changes, and conservation areas or Article 4 directions can restrict permitted development. We check the local rules for you before committing.
Yes, but as MCS-certified installers we self-certify and notify Building Control on your behalf. Your MCS certificate doubles as your Building Regulations compliance certificate.
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Start with a free, no-obligation online estimate. When you’re ready to go further, book your £250 home survey — fully refunded when you go ahead with your installation.