Planning Rules for Heat Pumps Relaxed: What It Means for Homeowners & Installers

Planning Rules for Heat Pumps Relaxed: What It Means for Homeowners & Installers

Effective from 29 May 2025, several key planning restrictions on air‑source heat pumps in England have been relaxed, great news for homeowners and installers like us at Option Energy Solutions! These changes simplify installations and open up opportunities that were previously blocked by red tape.

What’s Changed?

• Boundary Rule Removed
  The requirement that a heat pump must be at least 1 metre away from the property boundary has been scrapped. You can now install the unit right up to your boundary (as long as noise requirements are met).
  Source: Logic4Training “Air Source Heat Pumps: New Permitted Development Rules” Logic4training

• Larger Units Permitted
  The maximum size of equipment allowed under permitted development has increased from 0.6 m³ to 1.5 m³. That now covers many twin-fan or higher capacity domestic units.
  Source: PV Magazine “New UK planning rules for heat pumps come into effect” pv magazine International

• Cascade Installations Now Allowed (Detached Properties)
  Detached homes can now install two air source units, provided each unit meets the 1.5 m³ limit.

These updates were introduced through The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025. Legislation.gov.uk

Why This Matters for You

If you’ve been hesitant to install a heat pump because of tight outdoor space, limited land, or concerns over special casing or twin-fan units, this is a game changer.

At Option Energy Solutions, serving Steyning, Brighton, Sussex these changes mean:

• Fewer planning delays, lower costs, and faster installs

• More flexibility in siting the unit (even close to boundaries)

• Ability to use larger or twin-fan units within permitted rules

• Easier cascade or multiple-unit systems for larger homes

We will always manage all regulatory compliance, noise assessments, and grant-related paperwork for you, so you can focus on comfort, not bureaucracy.

Important Considerations & Limitations

• The changes apply to England only. Different rules may apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Permitted development rights still come with conditions (e.g. noise limits as per MCS 020 standard). Grant UK+1

• Properties in conservation areas, listed buildings, or areas with special designations may still require planning permission.

• For flats, terraced or semi-detached homes, the rules are more restrictive: typically one unit, and with a lower volume limit. Logic4training+1

What You Should Do Next

1. Check if your property now qualifies under the new rules

2. Contact Option Energy Solutions for a free site survey and advice

3. We’ll verify compliance, noise assessments, and paperwork

4. Install your system under permitted development with confidence

Useful References & Further Reading

• Legislation.gov.uk — The amendment to the permitted development order: The Town and Country Planning Order 2025 Legislation.gov.uk

• Logic4Training — Detailed breakdown of the new permitted development rules for air source heat pumps Logic4training

• PV Magazine — Overview of changes, including size increase and boundary rule removal pv magazine International

• GrantUK — How the rules affect brand-specific systems and permitted development rights Grant UK

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