Whether or not the government should allow air source heat pumps to be installed in the UK without planning permission being sought, is the focus of a government consultation which ends on February 9.
The consultation is considering whether all microgeneration technologies should have permitted development rules applied to allow their installation without having to apply for planning permission, provided it is carried out by an MCS approved installer. Currently air source heat pumps and wind turbines don't have permitted development rights because they are considered to be too noisy and an eyesore by neighbours.

To view the details before the consultation closes on February 9, click here

'NAPIT are welcoming this change as it will prove positive in two respects, firstly it is good for registered installers as it will limit the work to those who understand how to avoid noise and visual impact rather than opening up the work to cowboys', said David Cowburn, managing director of NAPIT's Standards division.

'Secondly it will be useful for homeowners as they will be able to make decisions about installing microgeneration without having to worry about planning permission. The fact that this permission will only be valid when an MCS approved installer carried out the work should encourage any unregistered installers to look at the benefits of registration through schemes such as NAPIT,' he added.