Consultation on amending permitted development rules for air source heat pumps

The government has launched a public consultation on proposals to amend the permitted development right for air source heat pumps in England with a view to making it easer for householders to install this technology.

Under current planning rules, air source heat pumps can be installed on domestic properties without the need for planning permission, as long as they meet certain criteria – such as being at least 1 metre from the property boundary. However, a recent government-commissioned review found this blanket distance requirement is often unnecessary and is hindering the roll-out of these low-carbon heating systems.

The proposed changes look to remove the 1 metre boundary stipulation and strengthen noise limits to ensure nearby residents aren’t disturbed.

The consultation also asks for views on increasing the maximum permitted size of heat pump units, which currently must not exceed 0.6 cubic metres, to allow for quieter, more efficient models to be specified.

The government is also considering allowing up to two heat pumps for detached homes, and possibly more than one for blocks of flats – subject to noise mitigation measures.

Other proposals look at whether the permitted development right should be amended to include air-to-air heat pumps, by removing the condition that “the air source heat pump is used solely for heating purposes”; this condition excludes air-to-air heat pumps which can also provide a cooling function.

Daniel Särefjord, UK CEO of Swedish heat pump manufacturer Aira, comments:

“Today, 95% of the UK’s gas boilers are still being replaced with the same polluting and highly inefficient systems at the end of their lifespan, despite the availability of more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives, such as heat pumps. Up to half of these gas boilers are being replaced without even leaving the consumer much of a choice as currently months of planning policy red tape must be overcome before a heat pump installation is permitted. Very few individuals and families can accept to live without heating and hot water for months on end to finally be able to ditch their dirty fossil-fuelled boiler.

The Government finally announced they are looking to change the rules on permitted development, which will play a critical role in removing those barriers and unlocking the true potential of clean energy technology for the UK, while making it easier for consumers to install a heat pump in their home. Contrary to misconceptions, residential heat pumps only consume a small amount of energy and are actually four times more efficient than a gas boiler. Sound levels tend to be another concern for UK consumers; however, technology has developed a lot in recent years and heat pumps now produce as little sound as a home refrigerator.

“By making the switch to a heat pump quicker and simpler, the UK can reduce its total emissions by 16-17%, making it a critical component in taking Europe off gas. It is crucial to recognise the transformative potential of heat pump technology in lowering energy bills and emissions, and we need more policy changes like this without delay to bring us closer to reaching our nation’s legally binding net zero targets. It’s undeniable that the time for action is now.”

The consultation ‘Changes to various permitted development rights’ can be found here.

The consultation closes on 9 April 2024.