With the rising popularity of Air Conditioning in the UK it’s worth talking a little bit about whether or not you need planning permission for installing it. After all, going through the expense and the time of installing something as beneficial as A/C, only to be told it needs to be removed after the fact is something we’d all rather avoid.
First and foremost, for the vast majority of homes in the UK, it is possible to install air conditioning without planning permission. There is something in the UK called Permitted Development Rights, and under these rights there are certain alterations and improvements that homeowners are allowed to make without planning permission. Air conditioning is one of these developments, as long as certain criteria are met.
The key factors that need to be considered are the impact that install it may have on your neighbours, and the potential impact it may have on the environment.
When it comes to how the installation may affect your neighbours, if your air conditioning unit is installed on the side or the front of your property then it might be necessary to get planning permission due to the visual impact it might have on your neighbours. However, if you install the unit at the back of the property or on a flat roof and there shouldn’t be any issues.
Another consideration you will have to think about is the potential noise or disturbance that the unit itself might cause. Whilst most A/C units today are designed to minimise noise and comply with noise ordinances, some local councils in the UK may require planning permission if the unit is deemed to generate excessive noise.
The final thing you would have to consider when it comes to potentially getting planning permission is whether or not additional restrictions for living in a conservation area, or a listed building apply. Conservation areas and especially listed buildings are subject to much stricter guidelines in order to preserve their historical or cultural significance. In these circumstances you may be required to getting planning permission for an air conditioning installation that otherwise would have been okay.
If you are unsure about whether or not you need planning permission for installing air conditioning then it is always best to talk to a professional installer, or talk to your local authority who will be able to advise you about what is possible and what isn’t.
If you’re interested in finding out more about installing air conditioning in your home, all you have to do is fill out the form here to get started.
