Do you need planning permission for a heat pump?

Many properties will be suitable for a heat pump, but it is often the plot that dictates which type of heat pump would be best suited.

Generally, to see a significant saving, a heat pump is best suited to a property that does not have any access to mains gas. This is because these are the properties that have the potential to benefit the most from renewable energy.

What about planning permission?

Permitted Development Rights permits some limited minor changes to a property without the homeowner needing to apply for planning permission.

A large percentage of ASHP installations will also fall under Permitted Development, but the fact that ASHPs do generate some noise means that their location can be an issue, sometimes requiring Planning Permission. Therefore it is important to check before any installation if planning permission is required.

An ASHP installation must either be classified as Permitted Development or receive Planning Permission and, to achieve Permitted Development the ASHP installation must comply with certain standards.

A financial incentive

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) aims to offer a real incentive to install renewable technologies, such as heat pumps, to heat homes. The scheme offers quarterly payments to homeowners over a period of 7 years, based on estimates of a household’s annual heating consumption.

In order to qualify for the RHI payments, the property and renewable system has to meet certain criteria:

• The product itself, whether it’s a heat pump or a solar thermal system must be MCS approved
• The installation of the system must adhere to strict guidelines

Do you qualify for the RHI payments scheme?

The scheme is open to anyone who can meet the joining requirements. There is a detailed guide from OFGEM that you can download here: Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Essential Guide for Applicants

However, we’ve summarised the key points for you here