Do I Need Planning Permission for a Heat Pump?

For the majority of UK homeowners, installing an air source heat pump is classified as permitted development, meaning you don't need to apply for planning permission.

However, there are conditions that must be met: the unit must be at least one metre from the property boundary, there can only be one heat pump on the property, noise limits must be met (42 dB at the nearest neighbour's habitable room), and the installation must comply with MCS standards.

If your property is a listed building, in a conservation area, or a World Heritage Site, you may need to apply for planning permission. In these cases, the local authority will assess the visual and acoustic impact of the installation.

Flats and maisonettes also have different rules, you'll typically need permission from the building's freeholder or management company, and possibly planning permission from the council.

Building regulations approval is always required, regardless of planning status. This covers the safety and performance of the installation. As an MCS-certified installer, our work automatically meets building regulations, and we handle the notification process for you.

We check all of these requirements during the initial survey stage, so you'll know exactly what's needed before committing to anything.