Air Source Heat Pumps – Update to Permitted Development Rights
Updated permitted development rights for the installation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) came into force to 29th May 2025. The legislative changes make it substantially easier for homeowners and landlords to install ASHPs without the need for planning permission. The main changes include:
- Allowing installation within 1m of the property boundary
- Increasing the maximum size of ASHPs to 1.5m3 in dwellings
- Allowing upto 2 ASHPs for a detached dwelling
- Providing permitted development rights for air to air heat pumps that also provide cooling, in the same way as for air to water heat pumps.
Alongside this, the MCS 020a) standard for Air Source Heat Pump Sound Calculation has been updated to reflect the new requirements for noise and assessment to ensure compliance with the scheme.
