Tuesday 11 February 2014
The Environment Department has published a new Planning Advice Note concerning Air Source Heat Pumps.
This move is in response to an increase recently in the number of planning applications received for air source heat pumps. As well as helping to reduce the impact of development on the environment and help combat climate change, air source heat pumps can also potentially create problems for neighbours principally due to noise from the fans used by the equipment.
The guidance which has been issued by the Environment Department explains the requirements for planning consent for Air Source Heat Pumps, and the circumstances when small units may not need planning permission. It goes on to outline the main planning issues which are considered when a planning application is being assessed, including noise. Consideration of noise issues normally involves a consultation on the application between the Environment Department and the Office of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation.
To help make the planning application process as straightforward as possible, the advice note explains the information that should be submitted with a planning application for an air source heat pump to enable the Office of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation to comment on the proposal and the Environment Department to determine the application in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Law.
The Environment Department's Director of Planning, Jim Rowles, said:
"The publication of this advice note on Air Source Heat Pumps adds to the considerable amount of guidance material already produced by the Environment Department to help make the planning application process as quick and easy as possible. This will be a useful guide to the planning process for anyone contemplating installing an Air Source Heat Pump and makes clear the main issues involved. We have worked closely with the Office of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation in producing this guidance which represents a helpful summary of the views of both departments on this important and currently highly relevant topic."
Tobin Cook, Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer, commented:
"The Office of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation supports the use of alternative energy sources and this guidance document will help home owners and commercial contractors to specify units that are appropriate to their location. This will ensure that residents benefit from supplemented energy supplies without causing nuisance to their neighbours."
The Planning Advice Note 6, Air Source Heat Pumps, is available to view and download here.
Contact Information
Jim Rowles, Director of Planning
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 717 200
