One of the most common questions asked by consumers when considering air con for their home is if they need planning permission.

In this article we will walk you through the current legislation and regulations to ensure you are compliant when you have your air conditioner installed.

What is planning permission?

Simply put, applying for Planning Permission, is putting in a request to the authorities to see whether you can legally carry out building works, or alterations, to your property.

Once your application has been reviewed by your local planning authority It will be granted (perhaps subject to certain conditions) or refused.

It is essential that you do not carry out any works until you have secured planning permission, or have established that you do not need it, otherwise you could be served with an Enforcement Notice with is a legal order to undo any changes you have made to your property.

Do you need planning permission to install domestic air conditioning?

In most instances, as long as you adhere to the permitted development regulations, it is not a requirement in domestic settings unless you are installing in one of the following areas …

If you have any doubt about your legal position with regards to installing an air conditioning system to your property we would advise you to contact your Local Planning Authority.

In most instances, as long as you adhere to the permitted development regulations, it is not a requirement in domestic settings unless you are installing in one of the following areas …

If you have any doubt about your legal position with regards to installing an air conditioning system to your property we would advise you to contact your Local Planning Authority.

What about air conditioning for Listed Buildings or in Conservation Areas?

A Listed Building will need Listed Building Consent and a property within a Conservation Area will need planning permission before being able to the install an air conditioner. This is a legal requirement.

There are often restrictions in place when it comes to alterations that are likely to affect the character or fabric of a Listed Building, or spoil the appearance of a Conservation Area, and this can mean in some cases that a traditional external condenser unit cannot be installed.

It is worth bearing in mind that planning requests can take anywhere from 6-14 weeks (in some cases longer) to be processed, so be sure to get your application in during the colder months if you want your air conditioner to be up and running in the Summer.

Your specialist installer would be happy to discuss different options with you so that your application is likely to be looked upon favourably by your local authority.

What are the air conditioning installation guidelines I should be aware of?

There are some important regulations that need to be adhered to when you are deciding where to install your air conditioner. As we mentioned earlier, failure to comply with guidelines and regulations could lead to you being forced to undo any changes you have made to your property.

Noise

Modern technology means that the noise created by external units are minimal. However, you should still be considerate towards neighbours and surroundings.

Legislation says that air conditioning units must not exceed 5 decibels above the ambient background noise level measured at any property boundary at peak hours.

Complaints from neighbours and members of the public may result in your unit having to be removed. You may wish to consider some sound proofing such as fences and hedges to keep noise disturbance to a minimum.

Space and boundaries

Always ensure your outdoor AC unit is installed more than a metre away from any property boundaries. It must not be positioned within metre of the edge of a flat roof.

Size

The volume of the external unit must not exceed 0.6m³

Roof installation

It is advised not install your outdoor unit on a pitched roof, otherwise you may have to consult your local council.

Wind Turbines

No wind turbines to be located on the same building or within the curtilage of the building where the AC system is to be installed. (The curtilage of a building or house is the land immediately surrounding it, including closely associated buildings.)

What other air conditioning regulations do I need to be aware of?

If you’re having an air con system fitted in your home, it is very unlikely that you’ll need to file a planning application or worry about legislation (unless your property is listed or located in the restricted areas mentioned above). Your installer should be equipped with this knowledge and highlight anything you need to consider.

Commercial buildings are separate when it comes to regulations, and there are certain requirements which must be adhered to, to ensure you are within government guidelines:

F-Gas

Records must be kept by the building owners/occupiers and systems must be regularly maintained

EPC

By law, all commercial buildings that have over 500m2 if habitable space must hold an energy performance certificate

TM44

All commercial building owner/occupiers that have an AC system must undergo regular inspections by accredited professionals to ensure their system(s) are running efficiently.

Where do I go for advice?

If you are still unsure whether you need to submit a planning application to install an AC system to your property it would be worth contacting your local authority for advice to ensure you are fully compliant.

It is also worth enlisting the help of an AC contractor that is knowledgeable and experienced. Get in touch with our specialist team at Evergreen, we are on hand to offer free advice on any aspect of AC installation.

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