As we move toward sustainable living, renewable energy options like heat pumps, solar panels, and wind turbines are becoming more popular among homeowners. Understanding the planning and building regulations is crucial for safe, efficient installations.
Air source heat pumps
If you are installing an air source heat pump you must make sure:
- it complies with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standards [PDF, 6MB]
- a maximum of 2 units are installed within the curtilage of a detached house or one for any other property
- the volume of the unit is not bigger than 1.5 cubic metres within the curtilage of a dwelling house or 0.6 within the curtiledge of a block of flats
- it is at least 1 m in from the site boundary
- it is not put on a pitched roof
- it is more than 1 m from the edge of the roof if it’s on a flat roof
- a wind turbine is not already installed at the property
- it is attached to a wall that is not blocking a pavement or road or, if it is attached to a wall that fronts a pavement or road, then it needs to be located at ground floor level
- it is not located on a site designated as a schedule monument or listed building
- if in a Conservation Area, it should not be installed fronting a highway
- it is not installed on a wall which fronts the highway or above the ground level storey.
There may be conditions attached, such as:
- the equipment is only used for heating purposes
- it will have minimal impact on the appearance of the building
- equipment which is no longer needed for microgeneration shall be removed as soon as possible.
Ground source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps are permitted development and do not require planning permission.
Solar panels
Permitted, providing it meets the criteria set out on our solar panels webpage.
Wind turbines
Installing wind turbines on a building
Wind turbines are permitted if:
- the installation complies with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standards [PDF, 6MB]
- there is no other turbine on the building
- an air source heat pump is not already on the same building
- the highest part of the turbine (including blades) would not exceed 3 m above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimney) or would not exceed 15 m in height from ground level
- the blades should not be lower than 5 metres from the ground
- the swept area of any blade would not exceed 3.8 m2
- the blades shall be made of non-reflective material
- it will have minimal impact on the appearance and amenity of the area
- equipment which is no longer needed for microgeneration shall be removed as soon as possible when no longer needed
- it the land is not safeguarded land, or within a site designated as scheduled monument or listed building
- it is installed behind the line of the wall of the house which fronts the road
Installing wind turbines on the ground
Wind turbines are permitted if:
- the installation complies with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standards [PDF, 6MB]
- there is no other turbine on the any of the buildings on the site
- an air source heat pump is not already on the same building
- the highest part of the turbine would not exceed 11.1 m in height from ground level
- the blades are higher than 5 m from the ground
- it is in a position which is less than a distance equivalent to the overall height (including blades) of the stand-alone wind turbine plus 10% of its height when measured from any point along the boundary of the curtilage
- the swept area of any blade would exceed 3.8 m2
Conditions:
- the blades must be made of non-reflective material
- it will have minimal impact on the appearance and amenity of the area
- equipment which is no longer needed for microgeneration shall be removed as soon as possible.
Mechanical heat vent recovery
Mechanical heat vent recovery do not require planning permission.
Gas heating
Energy efficient gas boilers do not require planning permission to install.
Applying for planning permission
If you need to apply for planning permission, please use the Planning Portal. You can complete your application form, upload supporting documents, calculate and pay fees all in one place.