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The IOA has responded to the Microgeneration Certification Council (MCS) consultation on the MCS 020 Planning Standard for Permitted Development ...
The IOA responded to the MCS consultation on the MCS 020 Planning Standard for Permitted Development Installations of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).
Many IOA members regularly carry out noise impact assessments of heat pump installations.
Installation of ASHP is permitted development, but it must comply with MCS 020.
Two consultation workshops were held to gather members’ experience.
120 professionals attended the consultation workshops.
The existing permitted development noise limit is described as "42dB(A) at 1m from the nearest neighbouring habitable window."
The IOA is encouraging further research to identify a ‘permitted sound level.’
The IOA supports publication of additional guidance for installers and the public.
The IOA has responded to the Microgeneration Certification Council (MCS) consultation on the MCS 020 Planning Standard for Permitted Development Installations of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP). Many members of the IOA regularly carry out noise impact assessments of heat pump installations. While installation of ASHP is permitted development, it must comply with MCS 020. Two consultation workshops were held to gather our members’ experience and inform our response to the consultation with, 120 professionals attending.
In responding, concerns are raised that the existing permitted development noise limit (described as 42dB(A) at 1m from the nearest neighbouring habitable window) may be too high. IOA are encouraging further research to identify a ‘permitted sound level’ which would reduce the risk of any effects, including the effect of numerous domestic ASHPs in a residential neighbourhood. The IOA supports publication of additional guidance for installers that may help reduce ASHP niose at the nearest property and guidance for the public illustrating what owners of ASHPs and their neighbours might expect to hear from a correctly installed ASHP.
Response to Consultations
The Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into Airport Expansion and Climate and nature targets that took place last year and included a recommendation on noise impacts.
Considerations of noise and soundscape are embedded in the Natural Resources Wales State of Natural Resources Report 2025.
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).
Transport Scotland have published a new Transport Noise Action Plan (TNAP) for 2025 – 2028.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
No record found.