Do you need planning permission for a heat pump?
Demand for heat pumps in the UK is on the rise, triggered by an increase in the grant for the government-backed Boiler Upgrade Scheme. In fact, the number of new installations has risen by approximately 10% month-on-month since the scheme was launched. This is according to figures from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit.
If you’re one of the many homeowners considering replacing a boiler with a heat pump, it’s crucial to do your research first. One of the most important things to find out is whether your property is suitable. This could come down to whether or not you need planning permission for a heat pump.
Do you need planning permission for an air source heat pump?
In most cases, planning permission isn’t required for the installation of an air source heat pump. This is a system where a heat pump roughly the size of a washing machine (0.6m3) is installed at the side or rear of your property. It is able to extract heat from the air and transfer it to radiators, underfloor heating systems and also hot water cylinders for use in sinks, showers and baths.
From 1st December 2011, the installation of an air source heat pump was deemed to fall under permitted development rights. However, certain conditions must be met, and there are exceptions.
These conditions include the following:
The heat pump must comply with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standards (MCS).
The pump’s outdoor compressor unit must not be larger than 0.6 cubic metres.
It must be sited at least one metre from the boundary of the property.
It must not be installed on a pitched roof. If on a flat roof, it must be at least one metre from the external edge.
Only the first heat pump installation will fall under permitted development - subsequent installations may not, especially if there’s an existing wind turbine within the boundaries of the property.
Heat pumps aren’t considered to be permitted development if installed within the boundaries of property designated as a listed building.
If installed within a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site, it must not be installed on a wall or roof too close to a highway.
If any of the above conditions aren’t met, then it may be necessary to apply for planning permission.
Unsure whether or not you need planning permission? It’s always recommended to speak to your local planning department for advice before proceeding.
Do you need planning permission for a ground source heat pump?
Ground source heat pumps work in a different way to air source heat pumps. These systems involve laying a series of underground pipes, so you’ll need to have a decent amount of land available (and be happy for excavation works to be carried out). These pipes absorb the natural heat from the ground, transferring it into buildings for heating and domestic hot water.
As the installation method is so different from air source heat pumps, you might be wondering whether or not these systems require planning permission. The good news is that in most cases, ground source heat pumps don’t require planning permission. They can be installed under permitted development rights.
However, you should check with your local council’s planning department if you live in a Conservation Area or a listed building.
Can you install a heat pump on a listed building?
You may be able to install a heat pump on a listed building, but you’ll need to check with your local council to find out whether or not you need planning permission.
It is likely that you will, as permitted development rights don’t automatically apply to heat pumps installed within the boundaries of the site of a listed building. There may also be other requirements you need to meet. So, a conversation with the local planning office is a must.
Can you install a heat pump in a flat?
Another common question asked about heat pump installations is whether or not they are suitable for flats. As with any renovation in communal living areas it would require the cooperation of other building occupiers.
There are certain obvious logistical challenges, such as where the pump will be cited and whether or not there will be enough room for the cylinder and all the various electrical and plumbing components. There’s also the question of whether it’s actually possible to install a heat pump in anything other than a ground floor flat.
Installing a heat pump in a flat is possible, but it can be very complicated. Only ground floor flats or those with balconies are suitable, and even then only if there is enough space for the unit and associated components.
Alternatively, a block of flats may be connected to a shared ground source heat pump, as long as the system is sufficiently powerful to meet the demand.
