Starting 29th May 2025, major updates to planning laws in England will make it significantly easier to install an air source heat pump at your home. These changes remove key barriers and are part of the government’s Warm Homes Plan to scale up the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating systems.
The new rules support the UK’s goal of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028, and they simplify the process for homeowners, landlords, and renewable energy installers.
What’s Changing? Permitted Development Rules for ASHPs
The updated planning policy introduces several important benefits for anyone considering air source heat pump installation:
No More 1-Metre Boundary Rule
You’ll no longer need to keep your heat pump 1 metre from the property boundary making it far easier to install systems on smaller plots or terraced homes.
Larger Units Now Permitted
The maximum size allowed under permitted development increases from 0.6m³ to 1.5m³, meaning you can install a more powerful ASHP without extra red tape.
Two Heat Pumps for Detached Homes
Detached houses can now have up to two air source heat pumps under the new rules — ideal for larger homes or setups with cascade systems for better efficiency.
Cooling Systems Now Included
Air-to-air heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling are now covered by permitted development rights, recognising changing climate needs.
Updated Noise Compliance: MCS 020
Installations must follow the latest MCS 020 noise standard, helping ensure minimal disruption for neighbours and a smooth path to certification.
These changes are outlined in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025.
Why It Matters for Homeowners & Installers
More Properties Can Switch to Renewables
Scrapping the boundary rule enables thousands of extra households to adopt clean heating without needing planning approval.
Faster, More Affordable Installs
Avoiding the planning process means quicker installation timelines and reduced upfront costs for homeowners.
No Need to Compromise on Performance
The new size allowance ensures that even larger, energy-hungry homes can benefit from efficient heat pump systems.
Year-Round Comfort
With air-to-air heat pumps now included, homeowners get both winter warmth and summer cooling from a single renewable system.
Easier Compliance for Installers
The alignment with MCS 020 and simplified planning routes makes life easier for MCS-certified heat pump installers, speeding up project pipelines.
What is Permitted Development for Heat Pumps?
Permitted development allows certain home improvements to be made without full planning permission, provided they meet key criteria. Under the new ASHP rules:
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You can install a unit up to 1.5m³ (or two for detached homes)
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Installations must comply with updated noise standards
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No planning permission is needed unless your property is:
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Listed
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In a conservation area
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A flat or non-standard dwelling
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What About Flats or Semi-Detached Homes?
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Terraced/Semi-detached Homes: Now allowed 1 unit up to 1.5m³
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Flats: Still limited to one unit, up to 0.6m³ per flat
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Special Cases: Always check with your local council for listed buildings or protected zones
MCS 020: New Standards for Noise
To comply with MCS 020, installers must:
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Conduct a noise assessment during installation
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Ensure the ASHP stays within strict decibel limits at property boundaries
This reduces noise complaints and supports smoother project approvals.
At Customer Renewables, we work closely with every client to discuss their individual requirements. We make sure that the Heat Pump installed is the right choice for their home as well as meeting planning laws.
If you are considering a Heat pump for your property and would like some further information, you can contact us here.
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