Do You Need Planning Permission for a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps have become a popular option for UK homeowners seeking a cleaner, more efficient way to heat their homes since the early 2000s, and their demand continues to grow. With rising energy prices and a push toward greener eco-friendly living, more people are choosing air source heat pumps for their homes and businesses. Before going ahead with installation, it’s important to understand the rules around planning permission. At Kozy Koala, we often get questions about permitted development and planning rules for heat pumps. In many cases, you can install a heat pump without needing to apply for planning consent, provided the system follows specific guidelines, lets get into whats allowed and what needs permission.

​Understanding Permitted Development for Heat Pumps

​In most situations, installing a heat pump on domestic premises doesn't require planning permission because permitted development rights apply. These rights allow certain types of work to be carried out without going through a full planning application.

General permitted development rights are national rules in the UK that let homeowners make certain changes without planning consent, as long as size, location, and property type conditions are met. If these conditions aren’t met or the property is in a protected area, or an area of outstanding natural beauty, planning permission is needed.
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Both ground and air source heat pump systems must be used only for heating purposes such as providing hot water or heating indoor spaces. Only the first heat pump on a property is usually allowed under permitted development. Adding a second system or installing it alongside an existing wind turbine means you will need to apply for planning permission. The installation of an air source heat pump must also comply with MCS planning standards which includes limits on noise levels and proper positioning of the external unit. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a UK quality assurance program that certifies low-carbon energy products and installers to ensure they meet industry standards.

​Planning Permission Requirements by Region and Property Type

​For air source heat pumps, the external unit must not exceed specific limits. In England, the heat pump unit should be no larger than 0.6 cubic metres and placed at least one metre from the boundary of your property. The system also must not protrude more than one metre from the external edge of the building. On a flat roof, the outdoor unit should be placed at least one metre away from the roof’s edge and not above the first storey of the home.

Planning rules can vary across the UK, with specific differences in places like Wales and Northern Ireland. It’s important to check with your local regulations to find out what applies in your area before going ahead with any installation.
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If your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, you guessed it....extra permissions will be needed. Likewise, if the property is located in a world heritage site or near protected land, check with your local planning authority for advice.

​Different Heat Pump Types and Their Impact on Permissions

The type of heat pump system you choose plays a role in whether planning permission is going to be needed. Air source heat pumps are a common choice for homeowners in Cornwall and throughout the UK. These systems are usually mounted outside and work by pulling in heat from the air. Many of these installations meet permitted development rules, as long as noise, size, and placement requirements are met.

Noise limits:
The outdoor unit of a heat pump must not exceed 42 decibels (dB) at the nearest habitable room of any neighbouring property. This is measured under standard operating conditions.

Ground source heat pumps are often installed underground. These require digging trenches or boreholes and can have more of an impact on land use. This may lead to planning being needed, especially on land close to protected areas or in cases where the installation might affect a listed property or scheduled monument. Some commercial premises may also need planning consent even for standard air source units, depending on the location and building use.

Things to Check Before Starting a Heat Pump Installation

Before installing your heat pump, you should always check with your local planning office to confirm if full permission is needed. If your property is listed, you’ll need to apply for listed building consent in addition to meeting planning rules.

If you're placing the system on a flat roof, it needs to be far enough from the roof’s edge and not easily visible from the road. The system must not affect the external appearance of your home in a significant way. If it does, full permission might be required. Both ground and air source heat pumps must not be installed on pitched roofs.

If your property is close to a public road, boundary, or conservation area, the location of your external unit becomes even more important. The goal is to reduce noise and visual impact on neighbours and the wider community.

What about flats or apartments?
​You can install a heat pump in block of flats, provided the building is entirely residential and does not include any commercial spaces. Planning is often required for installing heat pump systems in flats or apartments.

​How to Apply for Planning Permission

If your planned installation doesn’t meet permitted development requirements, you’ll need to apply through your local planning authority. This means submitting full details, including the position, size, and design of your heat pump system.

The authority will review how the pump system could affect nearby properties, the local area, and the character of your home. If your application is accepted, you’ll be able to go ahead with your installation legally and confidently. Planning permission for a heat pump in the UK typically costs around £258 and takes about 8 weeks for approval.
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You can also apply for a lawful development certificate. This gives you written confirmation from the council that your installation meets permitted development rules. It's not mandatory, but it's helpful, especially if you plan to sell your property in the future.

​Common Reasons Full Permission Might Be Needed

Here are some common reasons why planning consent for your heat pump is required:

• The external unit is larger than allowed under permitted development
• The unit is placed too close to the boundary or in front of the house
• A second pump is being installed on the same property
• There is an existing wind turbine
• The property is in a conservation area or world heritage site
• The building is listed and needs listed building consent
• The unit is mounted above the ground floor level or changes the external appearance of the property

​It’s important to check these details with your local planning authority and yoru chosen renewable energy company before installing a heat pump, as failing to comply can lead to enforcement action or the need to alter or remove the system later which can both be costly.

Conclusion

At Kozy Koala, we help Cornish homeowners and businesses get the most from their renewable energy systems. We guide each customer through the process, from checking heat pump planning permission regulations to make sure all installation designs meet relevant standards. Installing a heat pump is a smart choice for energy efficiency and comfort. By following the right steps and checking the planning rules that apply to your situation, you can move forward with confidence and avoid unexpected delays. If you need help figuring out your options or want to know if your system qualifies under permitted development, contact Kozy Koala or your local authority if you are unsure about your heat pump installation. Getting it right from the start means less stress and more sustainable warmth for years to come.

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