Wales propose next steps on permitted development for ASHP

In December the Welsh Government(WG) published the outcome of their consultation on changes to permitted development rights (PDR), which includes air source heat pumps (ASHP). Most respondents supported the proposal to allow PDR for air-to-air heat pumps, removal of the requirement that ASHP be 3 metres from a neighbours’  boundary, increase in volume of heat pumps and  allowing two ASHP within the curtilage of detached properties. The Welsh Government responded that  these changes would encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies, and that advances in technology and compliance with the updated microgeneration - MCS 020(a) – standard would address concerns about noise. While the proposal to allow ASHP on blocks of flats was supported by a small majority of respondents, WG concluded that multiple ASHPs present multiple issues, including noise, siting and visual impact, so they are not minded to proceed with this at this time. Also considered was PDR for glass recycling facilities 15 m from residential buildings. This was not supported by respondents due to potential noise and soundscape impacts – and WG will reconsider the proposal. A proposed limitation on the temporary use of land for camping within 100 metres of the curtilage of a “protected building” was rejected on the grounds that dissipation of sound is subject to local circumstances, including urban and rural levels of ambient noise.

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Changes to permitted development rights | GOV.WALES