The Government has aided the move to retrofit air source heat pumps (ASHP) in terraced housing by removing the planning restriction that ASHPs must be a metre from a neighbour’s property. However, commentators have warned that leasehold or rented properties will not automatically be affected by the changes to permitted development rules.
The update to the forthcoming Warm Homes Plan to lower household bills and cut emissions is hoped to make it easier for millions of homes to be upgraded. However, commenters have pointed out that in rented or leasehold properties occupants will still rely on landlords making the upgrades, and that the biggest barrier remains the upfront installation costs, particularly in older housing where pipework and insulation may need upgrading.
Although the current 42dB noise limits remain in place, there will be more flexibility to install AHSPs on walls, in alleys or near boundaries. Launching the update to the Plan, Ministers said modern heat pumps were quieter and more compact, making previous planning constraints outdated.
Energy Minister Lord Callanan said: “We are slashing red tape to make it easier for families to make the switch and bring low-carbon heating to homes across the country.”
MCS, the standards body for heat pump installers, welcomed the move, saying it will reduce unnecessary planning delays and increase the appeal of heat pumps for more households.
As part of the announcement, the Government revealed it will expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme while investing £8m in training retrofit professionals and £4.6m in a heat pump supply chain firm in Northern Ireland.
In addition, the size limit of ASHPs has been raised from 0.6 m3 to 1.5 m3, and two ASHPs are now permitted for detached dwellings. ASHPs can also be used for cooling, “meaning air-air heat pumps can now also benefit from permitted development,” commented heat pump maker Baxi.
Jeff House, director of external affairs and policy at Baxi, said: “This is a good positive step and something we have been pushing for through the Heat Pump Association for some time. As we look forward to the unveiling of the Warm Homes Plan we hope that other barriers to heat pump deployment, such as the spark gap, are addressed in short order.”
Image © Baxi