If you or your clients are thinking about installing air source heat pumps, then you must consider the permitted development rules and property boundary rules before undergoing the installation.
It’s much easier than you think to install an air source heat pump on your property, as permitted development rules differ from a standard planning application
In this blog, we’ll detail how heat pumps work, how your air source heat pump must adhere to regulations and need planning permission, as well as a few frequently asked questions.
Heat Pumps: A Revolution In Home Heating
Air source heat pumps are a popular choice for low carbon heating and can provide both heating and cooling for homes. Not only are they efficient and cheap to run, but heat pumps offer a cleaner energy alternative to traditional heating systems, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Heat pumps can be used in a variety of properties, including detached houses, terraced houses, and flats, making them a versatile option for homeowners.
The UK government’s Warm Homes Plan aims to increase the adoption of heat pumps, with a goal of 600,000 installations per year by 2028. Due to this, homeowners can benefit from incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides a £7,500 grant for installing air source heat pumps.
Legislation and Regulations For Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps can be added to your property under permitted development rights and is a much simpler and quicker route than full planning permission, which under this legalisation is not needed. Permitted development rights allow homeowners to install air source heat pumps without full planning permission, simplifying the process and reducing costs.
The legislation sets out specific rules and regulations for heat pump installations, including size limits, noise standards, and property type considerations.
Homeowners must still comply with MCS 020 standards, which cover noise assessments and ensure that installations meet strict noise limits.
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Development Rights and Permitted Development of Air Source Heat Pumps
Permitted development rights enable homeowners to install air source heat pumps without planning permission, subject to certain conditions and limits. The rights apply to domestic premises, including houses, blocks of flats, and buildings within their curtilage.
Homeowners can install one or two air source heat pumps, depending on the property type, with size limits applying to each unit. Permitted development rights can still be removed by planning conditions, Article 4 Directions, or other restrictions, so it’s essential to consult the local planning authority.
The rules also cover the installation of air source heat pumps on listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and properties in conservation areas.
Air Source Heat Pumps and Planning
Installing air source heat pumps still requires some planning, as the following conditions mush be met. The air source heat pump’s external unit and housing must not exceed certain size limits, and the installation must not harm the external appearance of the property.
Homeowners must also ensure that the installation does not exceed the permitted development rights, including the number and size of units. The rules also address the installation of air source heat pumps on flat roofs, pitched roofs, and properties with existing wind turbines.
It’s essential to consult the local planning authority to confirm compliance with permitted development rights and regulations.
Amco: Your Heat Pumps Supplier
If your business wants to bring your customers a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional heating systems and can provide both heating and cooling for homes, you need to stock the highest quality air source heat pumps from Amco Renewables.
As more households join the ASHP revolution due to factors such as energy efficiency and cost, more homeowners will be looking to take the next steps for a heat pump installation.
Create your free account today and take advantage of monthly offers on Air Source Heat Pumps from Amco Renewables.
Heat Pump Planning Permission FAQs
How close can a heat pump be to a neighbour’s house?
As of May 2025, MCS Planning Standards and Noise Standards do not have a specific distance rule for boundaries anymore, but installations must still ensure the unit does not exceed 42 decibels at 1 metre from the neighbour’s boundary.
What are the permitted development changes for ASHP?
New rules from May 29, 2025, make air source heat pump installations easier in England by removing the 1-meter boundary rule, increasing the permitted unit size to 1.5m³, and allowing two units for detached homes on the ground floor storey.
