Many local authorities across England are working towards ambitious carbon neutrality targets, often well ahead of national goals. However, with reduced council budgets, planning and environmental health officers frequently lack clear guidance on heat pumps. This can lead to uncertainty regarding regulations and concerns about potential increases in complaints, which could strain already busy teams. Planning permission, in particular, can be a significant hurdle for homeowners looking to install a heat pump, with noise often emerging as a contentious issue.

On Thursday 15 January we learnt about the latest guidance and innovative approaches to heat pump planning.

We heard a summary of the recently updated planning rules and why they are crucial for fostering greater confidence in heat pump installations.

We then invited an expert speakers to discuss the practical application of these rules, exploring how to simplify the planning process, address common concerns like sound and make swift, informed decisions. They shared insights on the opportunities and challenges this presents and how to ensure consistent and effective implementation across local authorities.

This online event focused on how planning and environmental health officers can proactively support the transition to low-carbon heating and was of interest to policymakers, housing developers, and those in the energy sector working on heat pump deployment.