One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is “do I need planning permission for an air source heat pump?” It’s a crucial consideration for many Wiltshire homeowners who are keen to embrace greener heating solutions but are unsure about the regulatory hurdles. Having installed heat pumps throughout Wiltshire, we’ve guided numerous local homeowners through this process.
Planning requirements can seem daunting, but in many cases, installing an air source heat pump is more straightforward than you might expect. Let’s explore the current rules specifically for Wiltshire properties.
Permitted Development Rights Explained
In most situations, air source heat pumps fall under what’s called ‘permitted development rights’. This means you can install them without applying for full planning permission, provided they meet certain conditions.
For a standard installation to qualify as permitted development in Wiltshire, the heat pump must:
- Be installed on a ground level surface, like a garden or driveway
- Be at least one metre from the boundary of your property
- Not be installed on a pitched roof
- Not be installed on a wall facing a highway if it’s within 5 metres of the highway
- Not exceed a volume of 0.6 cubic metres (approximately the size of a small garden shed)
- Be used solely for heating purposes
- Not be in the grounds of a listed building
- Be removed when no longer needed for microgeneration
Additionally, only one heat pump is allowed under permitted development rights. If you want to install multiple units, you’ll likely need planning permission.
Conservation Areas, AONBs and Listed Buildings
Wiltshire is blessed with beautiful heritage areas, including parts of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and numerous conservation areas in towns like Bradford-on-Avon, Corsham and Malmesbury. If you’re wondering if you need planning permission for a heat pump in a conservation area, the answer is often yes.
For properties in:
- Conservation Areas
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)
- The Cotswolds National Landscape
- North Wessex Downs AONB
You’ll typically need planning permission if the heat pump would be installed on a wall or roof that’s visible from the road. This is to preserve the visual character of these special areas.
For listed buildings, you’ll need both planning permission and listed building consent, regardless of where the unit is positioned. We’ve helped several customers in Frome and Westbury navigate these requirements successfully.
Wiltshire Council’s Approach
From our experience working across the county, Wiltshire Council generally takes a positive approach to renewable technologies like heat pumps. However, they do expect installations to be sensitive to the local environment, particularly in heritage areas.
The council has become increasingly familiar with heat pump applications, which tends to make the process smoother than it was a few years ago. In most cases, decisions are made within 8-12 weeks of submission.
Noise Considerations
Noise levels are an important factor in planning decisions. Modern air source heat pumps are much quieter than older models, but they do produce some sound – similar to a refrigerator. The permitted development rules specify that the unit must comply with MCS Planning Standards, which include noise limits.
When we’re installing heat pumps, we always consider optimal positioning to minimise noise impact on both your household and your neighbours.
How We Help With Planning
As experienced heat pump installers across Wiltshire, we don’t just supply and fit the equipment – we can guide you through the entire planning process:
- We’ll assess whether your installation is likely to qualify as permitted development
- If planning permission is needed, we can advise on the documentation required
- We can help prepare technical specifications and noise assessments
- We can recommend optimal positioning to satisfy planning requirements
- For listed buildings, we work alongside conservation officers to find acceptable solutions
Many of our customers across Chippenham and Warminster find this support invaluable, as it removes one of the major hurdles to adopting renewable heating.
Recent Changes to Be Aware Of
Planning rules do evolve. The government has been gradually relaxing restrictions to encourage heat pump adoption as part of its net zero strategy. The most recent changes have made it easier to install heat pumps in conservation areas, though some restrictions remain.
It’s worth noting that once installed under permitted development rights, the heat pump is permanently authorised – future changes to planning rules won’t affect your existing installation.
Our Advice for Wiltshire Homeowners
Based on our experience installing heat pumps throughout the county, we recommend:
- Always check with a professional before assuming permitted development rights apply
- For properties in conservation areas or AONBs, seek preliminary advice before proceeding
- Consider the visual impact and position units sensitively
- Keep neighbours informed of your plans to prevent potential objections
- Choose MCS certified installers (like us) to ensure compliance
Next Steps for Your Heat Pump Project
If you’re considering an air source heat pump for your Wiltshire home, whether you need planning permission for an air source heat pump needed be a question that holds you back. In many cases, the answer is no, and even when permission is required, the process is manageable with the right support.
As local experts in air source heat pump installation serving Trowbridge, Melksham, Westbury, Frome, Warminster and Chippenham, we’re here to help you navigate both the technical and regulatory aspects of your project. Our team can provide free, no-obligation advice about planning requirements specific to your property.
Contact us today at 01225 708 562 or email info@anheating.co.uk to arrange a consultation. We’ll help you understand exactly what’s needed for your heat pump installation and guide you through every step of the process.
