Air source heat pumps
Before May 2025, a heat pump had to be at least a metre from the property boundary to be permitted development, which ruled out many terraced and semi-detached homes. The 2025 changes removed the 1 metre rule. A unit can now sit against a fence or party wall, provided it meets the MCS Planning Standards, which deal with noise. In its place are limits on number and size:
- Detached houses: up to two units. Other houses and flats: one.
- Maximum size: 1.5 m³ for a house and 0.6 m³ for a flat.
- Units used solely for cooling are not covered.
Restrictions still apply on listed buildings and some protected land, and in conservation areas there are limits on units facing a highway. Check before installing.
Electric vehicle charging
The rights for wall-mounted outlets and free-standing charging upstands in off-street parking were simplified. Upstands can now be up to 2.7 m high, and associated equipment housing is allowed within set size and distance limits.
Practical point
Permitted development removes the need for planning permission, not for building regulations or, for listed buildings, listed building consent. If you are unsure, a lawful development certificate gives formal confirmation.
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Sources
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025
- pv magazine: New UK planning rules for heat pumps, one metre rule scrapped
This article is general information about planning in England at the date shown. It is not advice on any particular site, and the law and policy may have changed since. Please speak to us before relying on it.