Have you been told you don’t have enough outdoor space to install a heat pump? Due to new heat pump rules, this may no longer be the case for householders living in England!
Thanks to changes introduced under the Warm Homes Plan, new rules in England mean it’s now easier for many homeowners to install a heat pump. This is particularly great news for householders living in terraced or semi-detached homes with smaller outdoor spaces.
What Changed on 29th May in England?
England has now relaxed several key rules around heat pumps:
- No more 1-metre gap – You can now place a heat pump closer than one metre to a fence or wall.
- Bigger units allowed – Outdoor heat pumps can now be up to 1.5 cubic metres in size (up from 0.6).
- Up to two units allowed – If you live in a detached home, you can have two units without needing planning permission.
- Cooling now allowed – You can now install air-to-air heat pumps that also offer cooling, not just heating.
- Noise rules still apply – The unit must stay below 42 decibels. Installers must follow updated MCS-020a guidelines for noise checks.
What About the Heat Pump Rules in Wales and Scotland?
If you live in Wales or Scotland, the rules are still stricter:
| Rule | Scotland | Wales |
| Distance from boundary | At least 1 metre | At least 3 metres |
| Unit size | Not specified | Max 1 cubic metre |
| Number of units allowed | 1 | 1 |
| Cooling allowed? | No – heating only | No – heating only |
Householders can’t place units on pitched roofs. Homes in conservation areas or listed buildings will also need special approval.
When Do You Still Need Planning Permission?
Even with the new heat pump rules, you might still need to submit a planning application if:
- Your home is listed, in a conservation area, a National Park, or a World Heritage Site
- The unit is too loud or doesn’t pass a noise assessment
- You want to install on a flat roof (must be set back 1 metre). You are still unable to install on a pitched roof.
- You want more than 2 units in England, or more than 1 in Scotland/Wales
- Your heat pump is too large (over 1.5 m³ in England, 1 m³ in Wales, or considered oversized in Scotland)
If in doubt, ask your local authority or speak to a certified installer.
Why Do These Changes Matter?
Removing the 1-metre boundary rule in England means that more homes, especially those in cities, can now have heat pumps installed. This supports the Government’s long-term goal of cutting carbon emissions and reaching Net Zero.
Although these changes only apply to England for now, it’s hoped that the rest of the United Kingdom will follow in the future.
Why not get a Heat Pump for Free?
The Free Heating Scheme can help you find out if you’re eligible for a free heat pump through the UK Government’s energy-efficiency grants. ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme also offer other energy-saving options, including solar panels, insulation, and heating controllers.
If your home has an EPC rating of E, F, or G, you might qualify for these schemes. Click the button below to see how you can make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run!