Changes to permitted development rights for domestic heat pumps

30/6/23

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced amendments to permitted development rights for domestic heat pumps following the public consultation in late 2022.

Changes to permitted development rights for domestic heat pumps will come into effect from Tuesday 4^th July 2023. The key change is:

Air source heat pump installation, alteration or replacement will not require planning permission, as long as:

• They are at least 1 metre from the boundary of a neighbouring property (eased from 30 metres).
• The external unit does not exceed 3 metres in height (eased from 2 metres).
• They comply with the prescribed noise standard (new).
• They adhere to other restrictions and conditions that remain unchanged including those in relation to World Heritage Sites, conservation areas and listed buildings.

In relation to ground and water source heat pump provision, the permitted development rights have been amended slightly by removing a number of current conditions and limitations relating to distance from roads and listed buildings. From 4 July 2023, ground and water source heat pump provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house will not require planning permission, as long as:

• No part of the heat pump or its housing is within 3 metres of the boundary of the curtilage of the dwelling house.
• The external unit does not exceed 4 metres in height.
• The development is not within an area of special scientific interest or site of archaeological interest.

To view the legislative changes to permitted development rights for domestic heat pumps, click here.

For further background information you can view RSUA’s supportive response to the consultation and DfI’s review of the consultation and its recommendations.