Do you need planning permission for an air source heat pump?
For most homeowners in England, air source heat pumps usually come under ‘permitted development’ – meaning that you won’t need to get planning permission to install one.
In May 2025, new planning rules came into effect, making it even easier to install heat pumps in a wider range of properties.
In this article, we summarise what falls under permitted development, and when you may still need to get planning permission for a heat pump.
Heat pumps for unlisted homes in England
If you live in England, in a property that is unlisted and not in a conservation area, chances are you won’t need planning permission to get a heat pump. As of 29 May 2025:
- You can get a heat pump installed without planning permission even if it’s less than a metre away from your property boundary. This will open up heat pump installations to more terraced and semi-detached homes.
- You can get up to two heat pumps on a detached home without needing planning permission, where previously one was the maximum. Within the guidance this is explained as a new heat pump size limit of 1.5m³.
- You can get an air-to-air heat pump that’s used for heating and cooling without planning permission – previously permission was limited to heat pumps used for heating.
- Heat pumps still need to be quieter than 42dB to fit within permitted development, but the methodology to calculate this (MCS 020 a) has been updated.
Heat pumps for listed homes or those in a conservation area
If you live in a listed property or in a conservation area in England, you will need to get listed building consent to install a heat pump.
Understanding and advice around heat pumps in historic properties is changing. In July 2024, Historic England updated their guidance to encourage the installation of heat pumps on heritage properties for the first time.
This is a significant intervention, with local councils often referring to Historic England’s guidance when considering planning applications. Good Energy can assist you with finding the evidence you need to make your application successful.
Heat pumps for homes in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, slightly different planning rules apply.
- Your heat pump must be over a metre away from your property boundary (3 metres in Wales)
- Only one heat pump can be installed
- Listed properties or those within a conservation area are subject to different rules. Please check with your local council.
Good Energy’s expert team can help you to figure out if a heat pump is the right addition to your home. Get started today by getting your free quote.
