Do you need planning permission for air conditioning? It is one of the most frequently asked questions among homeowners, residential property owners, and businesses looking to add A/C to their buildings. In this guide, our experts will provide the answers you need.
With Britain experiencing record temperatures in recent years, the appeal of air conditioning systems in homes and commercial properties is greater than ever before. However, you must first familiarise yourself with the current air conditioning legal requirements in the UK so that you can act with confidence.
From understanding AC restrictions to complying with air conditioning regulations UK, there are several key issues to consider ahead of your air conditioning installation in any residential or commercial property. Otherwise, you could be faced with a host of costly repercussions. Here’s all you need to know.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning in the UK?
There are officially no Building Regulations in place that explicitly state that planning permissions are required for air con installations in the UK. In fact, most general-use air conditioning units and air source heat pumps fall under the umbrella of permitted developments.
On the face of things, then, the air conditioning regulations UK do not require you to submit planning permissions. However, this does not mean you should rush into an installation.
Factors Influencing Planning Permission
While the air conditioning legal requirements UK do not have a blanket requirement for property owners to seek a green light from local authorities, air conditioning planning permission is still required in several situations.
Crucially, the location of your property could mean that an air conditioning planning permission application must be submitted. The most notable examples are;
- Areas of outstanding natural beauty,
- National parks,
- Conservation areas,
- World Heritage sites.
In addition to locations, it’s important to consider the characteristics of the property. Air con installations for flats and listed dwellings may require planning permissions. Meanwhile, any major updates to Grade Listed buildings will require permission from the local authority.
Other issues that could prevent you from adding the unit without a permit include installations to pitched roofs, the presence of a wind turbine on the property, and its proximity to the property boundary or edge of a flat roof.
Domestic AC restrictions apply to units over 0.6m3 in size while commercial air con installations often require planning permissions too.
For commercial or residential air con installations in Oxfordshire, contact the ACS team to discuss your project today.