As of December the 1st the laws have been relaxed on installation of air source heat pumps in England and Scotland.  This relaxation of the laws has been introduced to make it more appealing to people who want to have air source heat pumps installed and don't want to go through the rigmarole of applying to your local council for planning permission.

This is not an complete list of the regulations required for air source heat pump installations to be 'Permitted Developments'  However it is a very good outline to follow.

England Regulations for Air Source Heat Pump Permitted Developments

Domestic heat pump installation will be classed as a Permitted Development, providing they comply with the following criteria.

• There is no wind turbine at the property
• The external is less than 0.6 m3 (This is suprisingly large actually, the largest unit that we sell is roughly half of this)
• The unit is more than one metre from the edge of the householders property (This means the unit has to be not within 1 meters of your neighbours property)
• It is not on a pitched roof or near the edge of a flat roof
• Additional criteria will need to be met if the house is in a World Heritage Site

This list is just an outline guide, you should read the full legislation here.

Scottish Regulations for Air Source Heat Pump Permitted Developments

A domestic installation of an air source heat pump in Scotland will be classed as a Permitted Development, unless:

• It would result in the presence within the curtilage of a dwelling of more than one air source heat pump
• The air source heat pump would be situated less than 100 metres from the curtilage of another dwelling
• The air source heat pump is visible from the road in a conservation area
• The air source heat pump would be within a World Heritage Site or the curtilage of a listed building

In addition, before beginning the development the developer must apply to the planning authority for:

• A determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required for the siting and external appearance of the air source heat pump

Other conditions will also apply to ensuring installation of an air source heat pump will be a permitted development in Scotland.  Full legislation details can be read here

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