Consultation response: permitted development air source heat pumps in Scotland

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Updated Mon, 03/11/2025 - 09:27

The IOA have submitted a response to the Scottish Government consultation on potential amendments to permitted development rights, which included proposals related change of use for buildings and to domestic air source heat pumps (ASHP). The IOA response reflects the view of members in Scotland who provided comment.  All agreed that ASHP installations should be required to to comply with the current Microgeneration Certification Scheme Standard (MCS) 020, and the majority that changes should allow up to two ASHP on detached homes. Respondents also agreed that there is currently insufficient data that would allow permitted development for more than one ASHP to be installed on flatted buildings or terraced or semi-detached properties, so a planning application would still be required to assess issues including potential cumulative noise. The IOA previously responded to a similar consultation in England.

Full response on our consultations page

Two air source heat pumps on a wall