A key planning restriction that heat pumps need to be one metre from a neighbour’s property has been lifted.
Previously, homeowners needed planning permission due to concerns over noise but the requirement has been scrapped by the government to accelerate uptake of the technology. Newer models are also said to be quieter than previous generations.
The planning changes also include a relaxation of rules for the size and number of heat pumps households can install. The reforms mean the size of heat pumps that can be fitted have increased from 0.6 m3 to 1.5 m3. The number of heat pumps permitted has doubled from one to two.
They are part of the government’s Warm Homes Plan which aims to help households improve their energy efficiency and cut bills.
The government has a goal of 600,000 installations annually by 2028. Data from certification body MCS show there were more than 4,700 heat pump installations in April 2025, bringing the total to more than 20,000 for the first four months of the year – 16% higher than the 17,603 UK heat pump installations recorded by MCS for the same period in 2024, according to PV Magazine.
Cutting regulation is welcome although it remains to be seen whether these measures will encourage greater uptake of heat pumps.
