Heat pump and EV charger limits to be ripped up

Planning rules which limit the size and location of heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) charge points could be scrapped under proposals put forwards by government.

The announcement forms part of a wider review of permitted development rights, which aims to cut red tape preventing homeowners and businesses from upgrading their properties.

In particular, the review is looking to relax planning rules which would allow home and business owners to carry out upgrades without planning permission – such as installing heat pumps and EV charging points.

On heat pumps, the consultation document – drawn up by the Levelling Up department – proposes scrapping size limits which the government claims are “preventing the development of quieter models”.

The current regulations – which the government is seeking to remove – limits the size of a heat pump’s outdoor compressor unit to 0.6 cubic metres.

Similarly, the consultation proposes increasing the maximum height of an EV charge point from 2.3 metres to 2.7 metres to allow more powerful chargers to be installed.

Rules limiting the location of heat pumps and EV charge points would also be ripped up under the proposed changes.

Current rules stipulate that EV charge points have to be located within two metres of a highway, or facing on to a highway, while property owners are currently unable to install air source heat pumps within one metre of a property boundary without planning permission.

The proposed rule changes would also allow for two heat pumps to be installed at the same property to allow for businesses and large houses to run “cascade systems”.

Likewise, the proposed rule changes would permit the installation of multiple heat pump units in blocks of flats without the need for planning permission.

Reacting to the consultation announcement, director for growth & external affairs at the Heat Pump Federation Bean Beanland told Utility Week that it was “all positive steps”.

He added: “Changing the permitted development rights is one of those building blocks in the heat pump rollout that we have been pushing for, for some time now.

“On its own it doesn’t change much but combined with other changes – such as increased grants – it all makes a difference.”

Beanland said that while the changes will inevitably lead to fewer planning permission referrals to local councils, he would like to see more consistency around planning requirements between local authorities.

“The changes to the rules will help, however it doesn’t completely solve the issue around planning,” Beanland said. “As planning is devolved there are some councils who currently require all sorts of additional assessments which other councils do not require.

“This undermines the industry’s ability to share its expertise as installers cannot confidently tell clients whether or not they need to apply for planning permission.”

Beanland added that some councils also require homeowners and businesses to pay thousands of pounds for professional acoustic assessments when installing heat pumps. He said that an overarching body which sits above local councils and can rule on these decisions would be beneficial in providing consumers and installers with a consistent message around heat pump installations.

Chief executive of heat pump installer Aira UK Daniel Särefjord predicted the rule changes would lead to an increase in heat pump uptake with the UK still targeting 600,000 installations per year by 2028.

“Today, 95% of the UK’s gas boilers are still being replaced with the same polluting and highly inefficient systems at the end of their lifespan, despite the availability of more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives, such as heat pumps,” he said.

“Up to half of these gas boilers are being replaced without even leaving the consumer much of a choice as currently months of planning policy red tape must be overcome before a heat pump installation is permitted. Very few individuals and families can accept to live without heating and hot water for months on end to finally be able to ditch their dirty fossil-fuelled boiler.

“The government finally announced they are looking to change the rules on permitted development, which will play a critical role in removing those barriers and unlocking the true potential of clean energy technology for the UK, while making it easier for consumers to install a heat pump in their home.”

He added: “It is crucial to recognise the transformative potential of heat pump technology in lowering energy bills and emissions, and we need more policy changes like this without delay to bring us closer to reaching our nation’s legally binding net zero targets. It’s undeniable that the time for action is now.”

A government spokesperson said: “The government is committed to ensuring that the planning system is efficient, effective and responsive.

“Permitted development rights provide flexibilities and planning freedoms to different users, including householders and businesses. They are an important tool to support growth by providing certainty and removing the time and money needed to submit a planning application.”

They added: “We want to support householders to make the changes they need to meet today’s living demands and maximise the usability of space within their homes. There are a range of permitted development rights that allow for enlargements, improvements and alterations to homes.

“This consultation proposes amendments to these permitted development rights to ensure that they are fit for purpose and provide the flexibility needed for householders to alter or extend their homes.”

This consultation is the latest example of the government relaxing planning rules to encourage the uptake of low-carbon technologies. In November, the government announced that it was “fast tracking” changes to permitted development rights to enable more homeowners and businesses to install solar panels on their roofs without having to go through the planning system.