Do I Need Planning Permission for a Heat Pump?

It is one of the most common questions we get asked. The short answer: probably not. Most air source heat pump installations in England fall under permitted development rights, which means you do not need to apply for planning permission. But there are exceptions, and it is worth understanding the rules before you get too far along.

Permitted Development: The Default Position

Under current planning rules, you can install an air source heat pump on your property without applying for planning permission, provided you meet a few conditions:

• The unit must be at least one metre from the property boundary.
• It must comply with the MCS planning standards for noise — no louder than 42dB at the nearest neighbour's window or boundary.
• Only one air source heat pump is allowed per property under permitted development.
• The unit should not be installed on a wall or roof that fronts a highway (though side and rear walls are fine).
• If the unit is no longer needed, it must be removed.

That is it. If your installation ticks those boxes, you do not need planning permission. Your installer — and that includes us — will check all of this during the survey stage.

The 2025 Rule Changes

In 2025, the government relaxed permitted development rights for heat pumps in England. The key changes were:

• The one-metre boundary rule was introduced as a clear standard, replacing earlier ambiguous guidance.
• Flat roofs were included — you can now install a heat pump on a flat roof under permitted development, which was previously restricted.
• Conservation area restrictions were eased — more on this below.

These changes made it easier for the vast majority of homeowners to install a heat pump without any planning application.

Conservation Areas

If your home is in a conservation area, the rules used to be stricter. Before 2025, you often needed planning permission if the unit would be visible from a public road or footpath.

The updated rules have relaxed this. You can now install a heat pump in a conservation area under permitted development, provided the unit is not on a wall or roof that fronts a highway. In practice, this means a unit tucked around the side or back of your house is almost always fine.

We install heat pumps across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire — areas with plenty of conservation zones. We are used to working within these rules and positioning units sensibly.

Listed Buildings

This is the one area where you will almost certainly need permission. If your home is a listed building, any external alteration — including installing a heat pump — requires listed building consent. This is separate from planning permission and is assessed by your local conservation officer.

It is not impossible to get consent. Many listed building owners have successfully installed heat pumps, particularly when the unit is placed in a discreet location. But it does add time and uncertainty to the process.

If you live in a period property, listed or not, we can advise you on the best approach during your free home survey.

When You Definitely Need Planning Permission

You will need to apply for planning permission if:

• Your property is a listed building (listed building consent required).
• You want to install the unit less than one metre from the boundary.
• You want to install more than one heat pump on the property.
• The unit would be on a wall or roof fronting a highway.
• Your home is a flat or maisonette (permitted development rights are more limited for these property types).

Do Not Worry — We Check Everything

Planning is something we deal with on every single installation. During our free home survey, we assess your property against the permitted development criteria and advise you on whether any application is needed. In the vast majority of cases, it is not.

If you do need planning permission, we can help you with the application. It is not a reason to rule out a heat pump — just something to factor into the timeline.