Do I Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning?

Permitted development in outline

For many houses, an air source heat pump outdoor unit can be installed under permitted development rights, subject to conditions on siting, size, noise and distance from boundaries. The unit must be used solely for heating or cooling the dwelling and be removed when no longer needed.

Rules are set nationally but interpreted locally, and permitted development rights can be removed by an Article 4 direction.

When you should expect to apply

Flats and maisonettes are treated differently from houses, and generally do not enjoy the same rights for external plant. Listed buildings need listed building consent for external alterations. Conservation areas restrict units on elevations fronting a highway.

If your property has had permitted development rights removed — common on newer estates through planning conditions — you will need an application regardless of the technology.

• Flats and maisonettes
• Listed buildings and their curtilage
• Conservation areas, particularly street-facing elevations
• Properties with an Article 4 direction or restrictive planning condition

Noise conditions

Permitted development conditions include noise limits assessed at neighbouring habitable rooms. Sensible siting, anti-vibration mounts and choosing quality equipment normally keep an installation comfortably inside them.

We assess the likely noise position at survey and will tell you if a proposed location looks marginal.

Sutton and Surrey specifics

Properties in Carshalton, Carshalton Beeches, Sutton and Wallington sit under the London Borough of Sutton for planning purposes, and parts of the area include conservation designations around the ponds and older village core.

Admin note: we do not give planning decisions. We advise on siting and provide the technical details you need; confirmation always comes from the local planning authority.