Do You Need Planning Permission for a Heat Pump?

So, you’ve been thinking about making your home a bit greener. And a lot more energy-efficient. Heat pumps have probably come up in your search, right? They’ve been gaining momentum across the UK as homeowners look for smarter, cleaner heating solutions. But before you go booking an installer and imagining lower bills, one very valid question pops up: do you need planning permission for a heat pump?

It’s not the flashiest part of the home upgrade process, granted. But getting the permissions right could save you a heap of headaches down the line. And trust me, the rules can be a bit murky if you’re hearing about them for the first time.

Let’s dive into it.

What is a Heat Pump Anyway?

Before we get into permissions and applications, let’s clear something up. When we talk about heat pumps, we’re usually referring to either air source heat pumps (ASHPs) or ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). They work by transferring heat from outside your home (either from the air or ground) and using it to heat your home or water. Kind of like a fridge in reverse. Sounds almost too clever, right?

And yes, they are incredibly efficient when installed correctly. We’ve seen them slash heating costs by as much as 40% in some UK homes based on Energy Saving Trust figures from 2024. But installation isn’t just about picking your favourite model and going at it. Let’s get into the red tape.

Do You Always Need Planning Permission?

Here comes the answer no one likes: “It depends.”

Most air source and ground source heat pumps installed in England, Wales, and Scotland actually fall under what’s known as permitted development rights. That means. You guessed it. You probably won’t need to apply for planning permission. But that little word probably is doing a lot of heavy lifting here.

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission

More often than not, you’re in the clear as long as your installation follows a few pretty specific rules.

For air source heat pumps, planning permission is typically not required if:

• There’s only one ASHP unit on the property
• The unit is no taller than 3 metres
• It’s more than 1 metre from your property boundary
• It’s not installed on a wall or roof facing a highway
• It complies with MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) standards

For ground source heat pumps, you usually don’t need permission either, since the system is typically buried and has minimal visual impact. But you still need to make sure your installation meets licensing requirements around groundworks, and if you’re drilling deep, there could be more specific conditions to meet.

Key Tip: Always check with your local planning authority (LPA). Different councils interpret rules slightly differently, even within the same region. I’ve had clients in Devon install their pumps without an issue, while someone in a designated conservation area in the Lake District ran into hold-ups despite ticking all the general boxes.

When You Do Need Permission

Things get more complicated if:

• You live in a listed building
• Your home is in a designated area, such as a conservation zone, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Your installation requires major structural changes
• You plan on installing more than one unit

In cases like these, your permitted development rights may be restricted or withdrawn entirely.

Let me give you an example. A client of mine in Bath, living in a Victorian semi that was both listed and within a conservation area, was keen on installing an ASHP. Long story short? It took nearly five months of back and forth between her installer, the council, and Historic England. The unit had to be installed where it wouldn’t impact the building’s historical character. And that meant some creative planning.

So even if you’re working with a certified installer, be prepared to go through a planning application if your setup deviates from the textbook version.

How to Check Your Situation

Your best first move? Contact your Local Planning Authority (LPA). Most council websites have a planning portal where you can quickly check if your type of installation falls under permitted development.

Also, your heat pump installer should ideally be MCS-certified and knowledgeable about local planning norms. A good one will do a site survey and flag any red flags early on. If yours hasn’t brought up planning at all. Ask. Always ask.

What If You Skip Permission and Get Caught?

Not to scare you, but it can be messy. If your heat pump goes up without the required planning permission, your LPA can issue an enforcement notice. That might mean modifying the installation. Or removing it altogether. Yes, seriously.

I’ve only come across one such case in ten years, but it wasn’t pretty. A homeowner in Kent installed a unit within 30cm of the border fence, and a neighbour complained. The unit had to be ripped out and repositioned. An expensive, frustrating, and completely avoidable situation.

Cost Angle: Is Permission a Budget-Killer?

If planning permission is necessary, it’s not the end of the world financially. Most residential planning applications in the UK cost around £206 (as of 2025). You might also want to pay a planning consultant for advice if your case is complicated. Expect to spend £400-£1000, sometimes more depending on where you are.

Compared to the overall cost of a heat pump system (which ranges from £7,000 to £13,000), an application may just be a blip. But it’s the time and hassle that tend to really bite. Better to know upfront.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seriously considering a home heating upgrade. And I think more people should. It’s always worth spending that extra half-hour researching planning rules before you get rolling. The UK’s push toward low-carbon home heating is picking up real steam, and heat pumps are front and centre. But even green tech hits red tape now and then.

Think of the planning piece as your early homework. Do it right, and everything else runs smoother. Quicker install, less stress, fewer nasty surprises. And when your next heating bill arrives? You’ll be glad you didn’t cut corners.

Ready to get going? Start by checking with your LPA and talking openly with an MCS-certified installer. No one wants a retrofit they can’t use or are forced to tear down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘permitted development’ and how does it apply to heat pumps?

Permitted development rights allow homeowners to carry out certain types of work without needing full planning permission. For heat pumps, this usually covers installations that meet size, location, and visual impact limits. Especially for single units not facing a highway and away from boundaries.

Can I install more than one heat pump without planning permission?

Usually not. Most permitted development guidelines only allow a single air source heat pump without special approval. If you’re planning multiple units. Like one for the garage flat and one for the main house. You’ll need to check with your LPA.

Do ground source heat pumps always avoid planning permission?

Not always. While they’re low-profile and usually permitted, digging or drilling might raise concerns in certain areas, especially if the system is near water or affects protected land. Any deep boreholes may also require permission from the Environment Agency.

I live in a listed building. Can I still install a heat pump?

Yes, but you’ll almost certainly need both listed building consent and planning permission. The process is stricter, and you’ll need to ensure that the installation doesn’t negatively affect the historic character of the property.

How do I find an MCS-certified heat pump installer?

The official MCS website offers a searchable database. Hiring an MCS-certified installer not only ensures compliance with regulations but also makes you eligible for government incentives, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.