I think the problem is with some positions within local government is that the person believes they actually have authority over you and that they are some how doing you a favour by doing their job. The issues usual arise when you the user of the service are more informed than the the person appointed to uphold the regulations of the service. They dont like being told they are potentially wrong and then it often gets into a power struggle of who is right. 

@editor

Same situation here re the building servicing the listed hall.  Very frustrating, time consuming and possibly expensive to rebut.   Still we now have the acknowledgement in writing that we aren't listed.

@siko, please let us know what Shrewsbury planning department say. I think this'll be interesting information for a lot of people. 

The proximity of the pump to the back window could be a bit close from a noise perspective, but it comes down to what you're comfortable with. I would suggest getting a tool out that makes a humming sound/noise at around 50dB. That'll be the approximate noise level of the 18kW from Global Energy Systems at 5 metres. Then go inside and see if it bothers you. There are iPhone decibel measuring apps that you can use to gauge the correct level. 

Hi Si,

The manufactures/installers should tell you whether you need planning, but the defining factors are normally the size of the compressor (which needs to be less than 0.6m3 for permitted development) and whether or not your in the conservation zone.

In terms of the noise levels whoever you buy the ASHP from should be able to provide with a MCS survey that will calculate the specific noise levels at a specific distance. You should ask them to do a noise assessment for your property. 

For reference sound decreases by 6db every time the distance doubles. So if the ASHP creates 61db @ 1m it will be 55db @2m, 49db @4m, 43db @8m etc. Also as decibels are logarithmic the sound level of 60db is 10 times louder than 50db and 100 times louder than 40db. 

I tried using a microwave to simulate the noise created as my one happened to create the same noise level but I would caution against using a phone app to measure sound as I found this pretty unreliable and inconsistent depending on the wind for instance. You can buy a sound meter on Amazon from £20-£30 which will be far more reliable and I would do several tests over the course of a number of days/evenings to get a better idea of what the noise level will be.

One option to reduce the noise within your house is to replace your bedroom glass with sound proof glass or install a secondary window which can reduce the sound levels by up to 40-50db. As these products are designed to reduce road noise (which can up 90+db) they will easily reduce the noise from an ASHP to a point you definitely won't hear it inside. I'm considering doing this as I'm planning on installing my ASHP next to my hallway window and although I don't believe you'll be able to hear the ASHP inside the house as I've promised my wife this is be the case I want to make sure it is!

Cheers Tony

Posted by: @chaplito

Hi Si,

The manufactures/installers should tell you whether you need planning, but ................

Cheers Tony

@chaplito

..........the buck stops.........

Agreed they should tell you but ultimately the responsibility rests squarely with the home owner so essential to do ones own research.  I live in a conservation area and researching installing an ASHP emailed my local council for clarification.  I was initially told my house is a listed building.  It isn’t and I was able to confirm and was then referred to the portal.  Even local planning officials cannot be trusted to know what’s going on lol.  Not attempting to be confrontational, simply urging caution each is aware just where the buck,  and any costs involved, stops.

Hi Morgan,

Totally agree the responsibility is with the home owner and agreed in my experience the local council isn't up to speed with the criteria for permitted development vs. planning for ASHPs - in fact my council told me I didn't need to apply for planning and I had to tell them I did due to the size of the compressor.

I have found Global Energy, who I'm buying my ASHP from, excellent in terms of helping me through the planning application providing guidance and numerous MCS surveys that the council have asked for, but as you say at the end of the day you need to do your own research.

I haven't heard from my council this week and I'm still waiting to see if they approve my application. I'll keep you posted as to the outcome 🙂

They may direct you to go down the Lawful Development Certificate route.   

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200187/your_responsibilities/37/planning_permission/3

It's a way of confirming you don't need PP.  But it'll cost you a hundred quid or so fee plus anything you have to pay for drawings, etc. You shouldn't have to as the rules around ASHP and permitted development are quite simple.

But if it's this one you'll be OK for size

https://www.samsung.com/uk/system-air-conditioners/eco-heating-system/sac-dvm-ae160jxydeh/

Hi all,

I was under the impression that ASHPs fell under permitted development rules; one of which being that no part must be within 1 metre of a boundary.

Mine is only 80cm from our boundary fence, so as well as breaking this rule, means the noise and vibration bounce straight back at my house.

As this is a new build and we had no hand in the siting of this pump, would the planning infringement still be our fault? I can't seem to get hold of the council enforcement team and would like to be able to force the company who built the house to have to resite the pump - to meet the 1m regs and reduce the noise. I'm also concerned that when we come to sell the house, the infringement of permitted planning regs could cause issues at our expense!

Any advice gratefully received.

Sam.

Sam,

You are right in that the ASHP needs to be 1m from your boundary for permitted development.  This is to protect your neighbour rather than you but it's still the rule. 

However, remember that the new build would not have been under permitted development so it's possible that 0.8m was part of the planning permission that was given to the developer. You would have to ask the developer this or look at the plans in your LA's planning website.  I don't know if the 1m is a general rule for ASHPs or just one for permitted development. 

Maybe some sort of barrier on the fence could stop noise being reflected?

Kev 

Not that I want to talk you out of your chosen heat pump, but if you picked a different model, then the PP issue goes away?  I am purchasing a 18kW Daikin Altherma 3H HT system, which is under the 0.6m3 rule.  It had a base operating noise value of 38dB and can be set to a quiet mode of 35dB.  Just a thought anyway.

Hi,

We didn't chose ours; it was fitted in a new build.

That noise level sounds brilliant and would mean we would actually be able to sleep in our own master bedroom instead of a spare back room away from the pump. Probably wouldn't hear it over the TV on cold nights either!

Any manufacturers out there wanting a brilliant marketing opportunity only have to ask. 

@editor Planning permission not required for the external ASHP unit under normal circumstances. It's classified as 'Permitted development'. It can't be less than a meter from boundary and there's a rule about noise level in dB at your neighbours nearest window I think. You don't even need to tell the council.

**EXCEPTION** Listed building and/or conservation area. In that case planning permission IS required and conservation officer can be very directive about what's allowed. Even if the council has declared a climate emergency! Not that I'm bitter 🤣