Ground Source Heat Pumps and Water Source Heat Pumps and Planning

Generating energy from renewable sources is good for the environment and good for your pocket as a householder. But if you are thinking of installing a ground source heat pump or water source heat pump do you need planning permission or not?

To find out if you do read on, or call Claire on 01282 872570.

Ground source heat pumps use pipes which are buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home. A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe – called a ground loop – which is buried in your garden. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump. The ground stays at a fairly constant temperature under the surface, so the heat pump can be used throughout the year – even in the middle of winter.

Water source heat pumps work in a similar way to ground source systems, with the exception that they use “open loop” collectors, where underground water is circulated through the pipes.

The benefits of both ground and water source heat pumps are that they could lower your fuel bills, especially if you replace conventional electric heating; provide you with an income through the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI); lower your home’s carbon emissions, depending on which fuel you are replacing; you don’t need fuel deliveries; can heat your home and provide hot water; they need very little maintenance – they’re called ‘fit and forget’ technology.

Within The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2011 Part 40 relating to the “Installation of Domestic Microgeneration Equipment” includes Class C and D which relate to the installation of ground source and water source heat pumps within the curtilage of a dwelling house.

Class C gives householders “permitted development rights” to install ground source heat pumps within the curtilage of a house without planning permission. There are no specific criteria or conditions identified, but there are other classes within the General Permitted Development Order which relate to development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse, which the development may not satisfy.

Class D gives householders “permitted development rights” to install water source heat pumps within the curtilage of a house without planning permission. There are no specific criteria or conditions identified, but there are other classes within the General Permitted Development Order which relate to development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse, which the development may not satisfy.

If you are unsure, here at Kirkwells, we can advise you whether your development needs planning permission or not. Just give us a call on 01282 872570 or email Claire Parker at claireparker@kirkwells.co.uk

If your installation requires planning permission, we can also handle the submission on your behalf.

Kirkwells also has a network of professionals who are experienced at installing renewable energy systems on houses. If you wish to discuss this, please give us a call and we will put you in touch with someone who can help you.

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk

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