The UK Government has taken decisive action to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon heating technologies. New amendments under The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025 (see part G) have relaxed planning rules, making it significantly easier for homeowners and businesses to install air source heat pumps without the need for planning permission. These changes will come into effect on the 29th of May 2025.
These changes are designed to remove practical barriers and encourage wider adoption of heat pump technology – helping the UK move closer to its net zero targets.
Key changes to planning rules for heat pumps:
- Boundary restrictions removed: The rule preventing air source heat pumps from being fitted within one metre of a property boundary under permitted development has been removed, offering far greater flexibility for installations.
- Maximum unit size increased: The maximum allowable size for air source heat pumps under permitted development has increased from 0.6m³ to 1.5m³—enabling more powerful systems to be installed without the need for planning approval.
- Two heat pumps now permitted: Homeowners with detached dwellings can now install up to two air source heat pumps under permitted development rights, supporting modern cascade systems that often require multiple units.
These changes simplify the installation process and reduce delays, making renewable heating more accessible than ever.
Comment from Oliver Larsson, Sales Director at Better Planet:
Great news to hear about the upcoming changes to planning. This is a step in the right direction as we remove barriers to Net Zero – finally some certainty!
At Better Planet, we welcome these reforms and are ready to help homeowners, businesses, and developers take full advantage of the new planning freedoms.
Contact us today to explore how you can benefit.
