Air Source Heat Pumps: Planning Permission Rules

Good news! If you're looking to install, change, or replace an air source heat pump on your home, a block of flats, within your garden, or even on an outbuilding, you typically won't need to apply for full planning permission. This 'permitted development' status has been in effect since 1 December 2011. However, this is only the case if your project strictly adheres to all the specific limits and conditions we'll outline.

When it comes to apartment buildings (blocks of flats), these allowances are valid only if the entire building is residential and doesn't contain any commercial spaces, such as shops or offices.

Just a heads-up: your 'permitted development' rights can sometimes be taken away or restricted. This might occur because of a particular planning condition, an 'Article 4 Direction' (which gives local councils the power to remove permitted development rights in specific areas), or other local planning rules. To avoid any surprises, we strongly advise you to always contact your local planning authority if you have any doubts about your specific project.