Homeowner's Requirement for Approval to Install a Heating System in Backyard
In a move towards a more sustainable future, Mr. Croker has successfully secured planning permission to replace a gas boiler and install an air source heat pump in his back garden. The heat pump, a Daikin Altherma 3 Low Capacity Monobloc EDLA-E 4kW, was chosen for its modest size and efficiency.
The heat pump is located one metre away from the boundary of a neighbour's wooden fence and two metres from a patio door. However, in England and Wales, heat pumps must maintain a distance of at least one metre and three metres, respectively, from a neighbouring property's boundary to avoid encroaching on permitted development rights. As the heat pump was within three metres of a neighbouring property, planning permission was required.
Monmouthshire County Council has welcomed the addition of the air source heat pump, but with the condition that it is within a suitable brick or timber housing. The heat pump was placed in such housing despite no noise or visual concerns. The council requires these enclosures to ensure the heat pump is appropriately screened and does not pose a visual impact.
Neighbors have not reported any objections to the heat pump installation. However, no works can commence on site until details of a means of enclosure for the air source heat pump within a suitable brick or timber housing have been agreed by the local planning authority. Clarification over why this enclosure is necessary is currently pending from Monmouthshire County Council.
Heat pumps normally qualify under permitted development rights, but can still be subject to certain conditions. Mr. Croker's intention was to make his house "entirely fossil-fuel free." The heat pump required no alterations to the exterior of the building and used an existing pipework.
It's worth noting that heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint. They work by extracting heat from the air outside and using it to warm homes, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gas boilers.
The planning permission for the heat pump was approved. However, the focus now shifts to the enclosure details, ensuring the heat pump is installed in a manner that respects the neighbourhood and adheres to local planning regulations.
