Many homeowners like the idea of home air conditioning but worry that planning permission will make the process complicated.
The good news is that many modern systems are not just cooling-only air conditioning units. They are often air-to-air heat pumps, meaning they can provide cooling in summer and efficient heating during colder months.
In many domestic situations, this type of installation may fall under permitted development, provided the correct conditions are met. The Planning Portal states that permitted development rights only apply where the system provides a heating function, including systems that provide both heating and cooling. Cooling-only systems do not benefit from those rights.
The number of outdoor units can also matter. Detached houses may usually have up to two air source heat pumps under permitted development, while non-detached houses and blocks of flats are usually limited to the first installation, subject to the correct conditions being met.
Things that can affect whether permission is needed include:
Property type
Outdoor unit size
Outdoor unit position
Noise and neighbour impact
Listed buildings
Conservation areas
Article 4 directions or local restrictions
For homes in coastal areas such as Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and the surrounding East Devon area, we also consider outdoor unit positioning, exposure to salt air and whether additional protection is sensible.
At SAFEXE LTD Gas, Plumbing & Heat Pumps, we install premium Daikin heating and cooling systems with a neat, professional finish. We can advise on likely permitted development, sensible unit locations and when it may be worth checking with the local planning authority before installation.
Premium Daikin systems from £2,750.
0% VAT on qualifying installations.
Finance options may be available on selected projects, subject to approval and provider terms.Fixed air source heat pumps can provide cooling in summer as well as heating during colder periods, and HMRC recognises that most air conditioning units are air source heat pumps depending on the facts of the system.