Do You Need Planning Permission for an Air Source Heat Pump in the UK?

Generally, you won’t need planning permission to install an air source heat pump at your home in the UK, just like with solar panels. In fact, the government has recently made it even easier by scrapping the old boundary rule that required the unit to be at least one metre from your property’s edge.

This change means you’re now free to fit a heat pump closer to fences and boundaries, which is a major win for homes with smaller gardens or limited space.

However, it’s worth remembering that there are still specific situations where you’ll need planning permission. Factors like living in a listed building, being in a conservation area or wanting to install more than the allowed number of units can all affect whether you’re covered by permitted development rights.

In this article, we’ll guide you through these rules so you can be confident about whether you need permission before you begin your project.

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Do You Need Planning Permission for an Air Source Heat Pump?

In the UK, installing an air source heat pump usually falls under something called permitted development. This means that, in most cases, you don’t need to apply for formal planning permission to get one installed. Permitted development rights are a set of rules that allow homeowners to make certain changes to their property, like adding a heat pump or solar panels, without having to get approval from the local council.

As long as your installation meets specific conditions, you’re good to go without the extra paperwork, which is great news because applying for planning permission can be time-consuming and costly. However, there are still key situations where you will need planning permission for an air source heat pump. These include:

1. Your installation does not meet the latest MCS 020 standards. From 28 May 2026, compliance with this certification will be mandatory for all air source heat pump installations. If your system isn’t installed to these standards, it will not count as permitted development.

2. The outdoor unit exceeds the permitted size. For houses, the maximum size allowed is 1.5 cubic metres. For flats, the limit remains at 0.6 cubic metres.

3. You want to install more than the allowed number of units. Detached houses can have up to two units without planning permission. All other houses and blocks of flats are only allowed one unit. Installing additional units will require permission.

4. There is already a wind turbine at your property. You can’t have a wind turbine and an air source heat pump installed under permitted development at the same address. Any additional installations require planning permission.

5. You want to put a heat pump on a pitched roof. Installations on a pitched roof are not allowed under permitted development. For flat roofs, the pump must be at least one metre away from the roof’s external edge.

6. Your property is listed or on a scheduled monument site. Permitted development does not apply if the heat pump would be within the curtilage of a listed building or on a scheduled monument.

7. The property is in a conservation area or World Heritage Site. Extra rules apply: you cannot install the heat pump on a wall or roof that faces a highway, or closer to a highway than any part of your house. If your property is not in one of these areas, the unit must not be placed above the ground floor on a wall that faces the highway.

8. Permitted development rights have been removed. Some locations have extra restrictions, such as planning conditions, Article 4 Directions or other local planning authority rules, which may remove these automatic permissions altogether.

In addition to these main rules:

• The heat pump must not be used solely for cooling.

• The unit must be removed when it is no longer needed for renewable heating.

• It must be sited carefully to reduce its visual and noise impact on your property and the surrounding area.

Please note that the information above is based on guidance from the Planning Portal and applies specifically to the planning regulations in England. Policies in Wales may differ slightly.

If you're unsure about your situation, we recommend speaking with your local planning authority or consulting a professional heat pump installer, such as Glow Green, for tailored advice.

How Heat Pump Planning Rules Differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Planning Rules in Scotland

In Scotland, air source heat pump installations are also generally considered permitted development, but there are some important differences compared to England. For example, in Scotland the outdoor unit must not be visible from the public highway, and it must be installed on flat surfaces only. Also, Scotland still requires compliance with the original Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS 020) standard, rather than the updated MCS 020 a) used in England since May 2025. Here are the key differences:

1. The heat pump unit must not be visible from the public highway in Scotland.

2. Installation is only allowed on flat surfaces. Pitched roof installations are not permitted.

3. Scotland continues to require compliance with MCS 020 (not MCS 020 a) as in England.

4. The noise and size restrictions may be interpreted with some regional variations. Check with your local planning office.

5. Permitted development rules apply similarly, but you must confirm with the local council for specific conservation or listed building restrictions.

Planning Rules in Wales

Wales follows rules closer to England but maintains some differences, particularly regarding permitted development rights and certification standards. Like Scotland, Wales currently requires compliance with the original MCS 020 standard and has not adopted the updated MCS 020 a) rule yet. Other specifics about size, placement and number of units are broadly aligned but may not reflect the most recent relaxed rules introduced in England. Here are the main differences in Wales compared to England:

1. Wales still follows the original MCS 020 standards, not the updated MCS 020 a) like England.

2. The one-metre boundary rule for installation near property edges has not been relaxed as it has in England.

3. Only one air source heat pump unit is allowed per property without planning permission. No doubling for detached homes.

4. Noise and appearance conditions may be applied similarly, but local planning authorities in Wales may have stricter controls.

5. As with Scotland, listed buildings and conservation areas require separate consent processes distinct from permitted development rights.

Planning Rules in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, air source heat pump installations have become easier under recent planning rules but still differ somewhat from England. Since July 2023, these installations generally fall under permitted development rights, meaning you usually won’t need planning permission, provided certain conditions are met.

However, unlike England’s May 2025 relaxed rules, Northern Ireland still requires the unit to be installed at least one metre away from your neighbour’s boundary and demands strict noise standards. Here are the main differences compared to England:

1. The outdoor unit must be at least one metre away from the boundary of neighboring properties, whereas England removed this boundary restriction in May 2025.

2. The heat pump must comply with a strict noise limit, designed to minimise disturbance, similar to England but enforced under different standards.

3. Permitted development rights were updated earlier in Northern Ireland (July 2023), so some English relaxations from 2025 do not yet apply.

4. Planning permission is still required if your property is in a designated conservation area, a listed building or a scheduled monument.

5. There may be additional local restrictions, so it’s important to check with your local planning authority before installation.

While these general rules make installation easier, Northern Ireland retains some safeguards to protect amenity and local environments that differ from England’s latest relaxed approach.

Since planning rules can vary between regions and local authorities, it’s always a good idea to check with your local council or consult a professional installer familiar with your area before proceeding.

Are Building Regulations Included in Planning Permission?

Building regulations and planning permission are two different types of approval, and one does not automatically include the other. Planning permission deals primarily with how your property or land is used and how any changes affect the local area’s appearance, environment and neighbours.

In contrast, building regulations focus on the technical and safety standards of construction. They make sure your air source heat pump is installed safely, efficiently and in line with health and safety rules.

When you have an air source heat pump installed, a qualified installer, such as Glow Green, will ensure your system meets all relevant building regulations. These rules cover important areas such as:

• Ensuring the heat pump is installed safely and securely to maintain structural stability.

• Complying with fire safety standards and preventing hazards.

• Making sure the installation is energy efficient and conserves fuel.

• Protecting against water damage and moisture penetration.

• Controlling noise levels from the equipment to avoid disturbing neighbours.

• Following electrical safety standards for connections and wiring.

• Providing adequate ventilation around the unit for safe operation.

Are There Any Noise Regulations for Air Source Heat Pumps?

Air source heat pumps are subject to specific noise regulations designed to protect your neighbours from excessive disturbance. Generally, heat pumps must not exceed 42 decibels when measured from the nearest neighbour’s home, which is roughly the noise level of a fridge running quietly.

Different limits apply depending on the time of day with slightly lower limits during the evening and night to reduce disturbance at quieter times. These rules are part of the government’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), ensuring that heat pump installations are both environmentally friendly and considerate to surrounding properties.

Key noise-related rules and planning conditions for air source heat pumps include:

• Heat pumps must not produce noise louder than 42 decibels at the nearest neighbouring property’s door or window.

• During daytime hours (7 am to 7 pm), noise can be up to 45 decibels, while from 7 pm to 7 am, the limit drops to 40 decibels.

• The heat pump should be sited at least 1 metre from the neighbour's boundary (though this rule has been relaxed in England from May 2025).

• Installers must consider how reflective surfaces near the heat pump can increase noise levels due to acoustic reflections.

• Heat pump noise assessments take into account background noise levels in the area to avoid unfair restrictions in naturally louder environments.

• To qualify for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, installations must meet these noise standards as part of MCS certification.

Can Renters Get Heat Pumps Installed?

Yes, you can install an air source heat pump in a rented property, but you’ll need permission from your landlord first. Since heat pumps require outdoor space and sometimes planning permission, especially in flats or leasehold homes, it’s important to check your tenancy agreement and discuss plans with your landlord before moving forward.

While it is easier for homeowners and landlords to install these systems without planning permission, renters still rely on the landlord’s approval to proceed. Before bringing up the idea with your landlord, it’s a smart move to first check whether your home is suitable for an air source heat pump.

Do You Need to Tell Anyone When Installing a Heat Pump?

You won’t usually need to tell anyone if your air source heat pump is installed within permitted development rules. As long as the system meets the size, noise and placement requirements, you can go ahead without needing to apply for planning permission or notify your local council.

That said, there are some people or organisations you might need to inform depending on your situation. This helps avoid misunderstandings, ensures safety and keeps everything running smoothly. These may include:

• Your neighbours - It’s not a legal requirement, but letting them know about the installation in advance is a courteous way to avoid complaints, especially if there is any temporary noise or disruption.

• Your landlord or property manager - If you rent your home or live in a leasehold property, you must get their permission before making any changes like installing a heat pump.

• The local planning authority - If your installation doesn’t fall under permitted development, you’ll need to apply for planning permission.

• The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) - You or your installer may need to notify your DNO, as connecting a heat pump to the electricity grid can impact local supply. Your installer will usually take care of this for you.

How Do You Apply for Planning Permission?

If you establish that permission is required for your air source heat pump, the first step is to visit your local council's website or go through the Planning Portal, where you can start your application online. You also have the option to apply by post.

When submitting your application, you’ll need to provide certain documents and details. This usually includes a site location plan, scaled drawings showing what you plan to install and where, and possibly a design statement explaining the purpose of the installation.

You’ll also need to pay an application fee, which varies depending on your project and location. In some cases, additional report, such as noise impact or heritage assessments, may be required, particularly if your property is in a sensitive area like a conservation zone or near a listed building.

How Glow Green Can Help with Your Heat Pump Installation

At Glow Green, we're happy to help at every stage of your air source heat pump installation. If you're unsure whether you need planning permission or not, feel free to reach out to us. One of our experts will be more than happy to guide you through the rules and check if your property qualifies under permitted development.

We can also provide you with a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home and answer any questions you may have around heat pump costs, installation timelines or how the process works.

We also proudly install the Vaillant aroTHERM plus range, one of the most reliable and efficient air source heat pumps on the market. This system is known for its excellent performance even in colder weather, quiet operation and compatibility with a wide range of home types.

It’s also one of the few MCS-certified products that meets the latest UK planning and building regulation requirements.

Air Source Heat Pump Planning Permission FAQs