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.
