Heat Pump Planning Shake-Up: New Rules Slash Red Tape and Accelerate UK's Green Heating Drive

Government reforms ease installation hurdles and boost funding to fast-track clean heating revolution

The UK Government has unveiled landmark reforms to planning regulations in England, aimed at dramatically simplifying the installation of heat pumps, an essential technology in the nation’s push toward net zero.

From May 2025, new rules under expanded permitted development rights mean more homeowners can install heat pumps without needing to apply for planning permission, removing a major barrier that has stalled thousands of low-carbon upgrades.

What Exactly Is Changing?

Under the updated legislation, which came into effect on 29 May 2025:

1. Homeowners can install more than one air source heat pump on a single property under permitted development, as long as noise and size limits are met. Previously, only one unit was allowed without planning permission.

   
   

2. Planning permission will no longer be needed for heat pumps in more locations, including in some conservation areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), as long as the units are placed in less visually sensitive locations such as side or rear walls and comply with size and decibel limits.

   
   

3. The permitted size and placement rules for outdoor units have been revised to allow for more flexibility—critical for households with space constraints.

   
   

4. The rules also simplify the noise assessment requirements, replacing complex planning procedures with streamlined technical standards for ensuring quiet operation. Units must now meet a clear, enforceable 42 decibel limit at the nearest neighbour's window.

   
   

5. Restrictions on listed buildings and some flats remain, but the government has promised further consultation on how to unlock installations in these properties in future updates.

These changes apply in England only. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland maintain separate planning frameworks.

Why It Matters for Decarbonisation

The reforms come as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating. The government has also boosted funding to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), increasing available grants to £7,500 per installation—one of the most generous incentives in Europe.

Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency for social good, welcomed the reforms as a “practical and powerful” move that could significantly increase heat pump adoption.

“Homeowners have been held back by unnecessary bureaucracy,” a Nesta spokesperson said. “With these changes, cleaner heating becomes much more accessible.”

Industry Applauds the Reforms

The heat pump industry, which has been vocal about planning bottlenecks, has responded enthusiastically.

Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, noted:

“More than a third of customers who order a heat pump drop out because of planning issues. Removing outdated and unnecessary red tape is an urgent priority to grow this sector and get low cost, safe, clean heating technology into British homes.”

Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK, highlighted the significance of both funding and regulatory changes:

“It is welcome to see the government increase funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, set out more detail on the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM), and remove planning barriers to heat pump installations. This is a clear recommitment to heat decarbonisation.”

Aira UK CEO Daniel Särefjord called the announcement “a game-changer” that would help customers cut costs and meet climate goals:

“Clean heating solutions are essential for driving the UK’s transition to a lower-cost, lower-carbon, and more stable energy market.”

A Boost to Manufacturing and Jobs

The simplified rules are also expected to stimulate domestic manufacturing and green jobs. Companies like Ideal Heating, Worcester Bosch, and Vaillant have already begun scaling their UK operations in response.

Henrik Hansen, Managing Director at Vaillant Group UK, said:

“By easing installation requirements, the government is directly addressing key consumer barriers and supporting a more robust, scalable low-carbon market.”

What’s Next?

The government aims to hit 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028. While challenges remain—including supply chain scaling, installer training, and consumer awareness—these reforms are a significant step toward making clean heating the default option for UK homes.

Homeowners considering an upgrade can now benefit from simplified planning, improved financial support, and wider access to heat pump technology, as the UK powers forward on its net zero journey.