Wales: Air Source Heat Pumps and Permitted Development

The Welsh Government have published research examining air source heat pump noise (ASHP) and permitted development rights (PDR) in Wales.  In announcing the publication Minister for Climate Change Julie James said “We wish to encourage residents to transition from fossil fuel heating to low carbon alternatives, but without creating noise nuisance.” Currently in Wales PDRs allow installation of an air source heat pump if it is a minimum 3-metres from a neighbour’s boundary, to reduce the potential for noise pollution.  Sustainable Acoustics and Apex Acoustics were commissioned to investigate this distance rationale, and to recommend whether the PDRs should be changed. 

Phase 1 of the project found that noise is one of the major factors affecting the deployment of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) in Wales. Phase 2 was directed at gaining better understanding of issues  relating to noise that are hindering deployment of ASHPs. Issues identified included -  the lack of easily accessible noise data for homeowners and installers, and additional assistance is needed to facilitate installations for terraced and semi-detached houses, which represent the majority of the housing stock. The reports state that further work is required to determine if the current permitted noise target is adequate to deal with protection of quality of life, for example cumulative impacts of multiple units, and variation in noise generated over the seasons. The Welsh Government are reviewing the report's recommendations.