Did you know about the new heat pump rules now benefiting householders in certain parts of the UK?
If you’ve previously been told you don’t have enough space outside your property to install a heat pump, the recent changes introduced by The Warm Homes Plan may now allow you to do so!
On 29th May, England relaxed the rules on heat pump size, quantity, and placement. This is great news for householders living in terraced or semi-detached homes, especially in tight urban areas.
How have the rules changed in England?
Key improvements for heat pump fitting in England under the Warm Homes Plan include:
- The removal of boundary setbacks – heat pumps can now be legally placed less than a metre from fences or neighbouring walls.
- Larger units are allowed – The size of an outdoor unit has increased from 0.6 to 1.5 cube metres.
- Up to two units are allowed – If you live in a detached house, you can have up to two units without needing planning permission.
- Cooling and heating are allowed – Air-to-air pumps also known as air source heat pumps that offer cooling as well as heating are now allowed under permitted development.
- Noise limit – The 42 decibel limit still applies. Any noise assessments must follow the updated MCS-020a guidelines.
What are the rules in Wales and Scotland?
Overall, Wales and Scotland currently have tighter restrictions on installing a heat pump:
- Boundary setbacks – In Scotland, heat pumps must be placed at least one metre away, while Wales has greater flexibility at 3 metres.
- Unit size – In Scotland, the size of the unit is unspecified, however Wales restricts unit size to 1m.
- Units allowed – Both countries allow one unit per property.
- Is cooling allowed? – No. Units can only provide heating.
Providing it complies with the above rules, one air-source heat pump is allowed as part of permitted development. It also must not be placed on pitched roofs, in urban conservation areas or on listed buildings.
Is planning permission still required?
There are some instances where you will need to make a planning application to have a heat pump installed. This includes:
- Where the heat pump is installed on a listed building or in conservation areas, World Heritage Sites, Areas of Outstanding Beauty, or National Parks.
- If the unit noise level exceeds 42 decibels or fails noise assessments.
- If installed on a flat roof. It must be set back at least 1m from the edge. Heat pumps are not allowed on pitched roofs.
- If the limit of 2 units per property is exceeded in England, or if there is more than one in Scotland or Wales.
- If the heat pump is larger than 1.5 cubic metres in England or 1 cubic metre in Wales. Units classed as ‘oversized’ in Scotland should also seek planning permission.
If you’re unsure if you need permission, your local planning authority or a certified installer can help.
How to ensure a smooth installation
- Make sure your installer is MCS certified, especially if you’re arranging the work yourself. This is a mandatory requirement for permitted development.
- Perform a noise assessment. Your heat pump must be 42 decibels or less.
- Choose the right spot. This should be a flat, open area with good airflow and away from windows. It’s also important to consider neighbouring properties when installing your units.
- Bear in mind the differing UK rules outlined above, especially boundary and unit size limits.
- Listed properties and those in conservation areas often require listed-building consent even if planning permission isn’t needed.
How the new heat pump rules are good for you, your community and the environment
By removing the 1 metre boundary rule for properties in England, more heat pumps can now be installed in denser urban areas. The new flexible ruling also aims to help the UK reach the Net Zero target. Although only rolled out in England so far, it is hoped that these changes will encourage many more householders to install renewable heating systems.
Have your heat pumps fitted for free through a government energy efficiency scheme
Did you know you could have heat pumps fitted for free through Government schemes, such as ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme?
If you live in a property that has an EPC rating of E, F, or G, you could be eligible for a UK Government energy efficiency grant. Here at Energy Advice Helpline, our expert customer advisers can guide you through the entire application and installation process. Click the link below for more details.
