Wed, 28 May 2025

Wed, 28 May 2025 Planning change to make installing heat pump easier for millions

The rule requiring planning permission if a heat pump is within 1m of a neighbours property has been removed.

* The UK government has lifted a key planning restriction that previously required heat pumps to be installed at least one meter away from neighboring properties.
* This change aims to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon heat pumps, which can produce far fewer emissions than gas boilers.
* However, consumer groups warn that the changes will not help those in rented or leasehold properties and that high upfront costs remain a significant barrier to installation.
* The changes also include a relaxation of rules for the size and number of heat pumps households can install.
* Terraced housing is most likely to be affected by the changes, with over 5.7 million households accounting for 23% of total households in England.
* Despite the changes, installing heat pumps remains expensive, particularly in older houses where better insulation may also be needed.
* The government's Warm Homes Plan aims to give 300,000 households upgrades to improve their energy efficiency and lower bills.
* From 2030, private landlords will be required to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties as part of the plan.
  >>