Planning rules relaxed to make air source heat pumps easier to install
- DPA has relaxed planning rules for air source heat pump installations following industry feedback
- Size limits increased for planning exemption
- Units must be single installations, at ground level, and more than 1 metre from property boundaries
- Changes expected to reduce costs for installers and make renewable heating more accessible
- Move supports Guernsey's net zero pathway and economic objectives
The Development & Planning Authority has relaxed planning rules to make it easier for islanders to install air source heat pumps on their homes and other buildings, following feedback from a local renewable energy company.
The changes come after Little Green highlighted that existing size restrictions no longer accommodated standard air source heat pump installations.
Previously, air source heat pumps were exempt from planning permission only if they measured less than 1 metre in height, 1 metre in width and 0.35 metres in depth. The DPA has now increased these dimensions significantly to support modern equipment.
Under the new rules, air source heat pumps and air conditioning units can be installed in the outer area of houses and other buildings without planning permission, provided they meet specific criteria.
The units must be the only one of its type on the property and cannot be positioned within 1 metre of a neighbouring property boundary. Installation must be at ground floor level, and the unit can contain only one fan.
The revised size limits allow units up to 1.75 metres in height, 1.5 metres in width and 0.75 metres in depth. Additionally, noise levels from the units must not exceed acceptable standards.
DPA President Deputy Neil Inder said: "Removing barriers like this supports the economy, supports Guernsey's pathway to net zero, and makes it easier for islanders to install cheaper and more efficient heating. We're listening to people to find solutions to problems."
Simon de la Rue, Commercial Director at Little Green, welcomed the changes and their potential impact on both consumers and the energy sector.
"Reducing reasonable barriers for the installation of air source heat pumps will help islanders heat their homes at a lower cost whilst reducing demand on the electricity grid. For industry professionals, it will reduce time and costs and translate into savings for the client," he said.
The relaxed planning requirements are expected to support Guernsey's environmental objectives whilst making renewable heating technology more accessible to residents.
Q&A
Q: What are the new size limits for air source heat pumps exempt from planning permission?
A: Units can now be up to 1.75 metres in height, 1.5 metres in width and 0.75 metres in depth, significantly larger than the previous limits of 1m x 1m x 0.35m.
Q: What conditions must be met for planning exemption?
A: There must be only one unit per property, positioned more than 1 metre from neighbouring boundaries, installed at ground level, with only one internal fan, and noise levels must not exceed acceptable standards.
Q: Why were the planning rules changed?
A: Little Green contacted the DPA explaining that the previous size restrictions no longer accommodated standard air source heat pump installations, prompting the authority to increase the exempt dimensions.
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