The DPA and the Little Green Energy company have worked together on new plans to help homeowners and business install air source heat pumps, which can in turn help lower bills and help the environment.
The Development & Planning Authority has agreed that the kit can be installed without planning permission being needed.
Little Green had asked for this change to be made due to changes with the technology.
Previously, the installation of an air source heat pump was exempt from the need for planning permission if it was smaller than 1 metre in height, 1 metre in width and 0.35 metres in depth. However, Little Green noted this no longer allowed for a standard size air source heat pump to be installed.
The company contacted DPA President Deputy Neil Inder to discuss the issue.
He took it to his committee and they agreed to increase the size which is exempt from the need for planning permission.
“I’m pleased that Simon from Little Green reached out to us,” said Deputy Inder. “We want to make things easier for individuals and easier for businesses. Removing barriers like this supports the economy, supports Guernsey’s pathway to net zero, and makes it easier for islanders to install cheaper and more efficient heating. We’re listening to people to find solutions to problems.”
Simon de la Rue, Commercial Director – Little Green, added: “Reducing reasonable barriers for the installation of air source heat pumps will help islanders heat their homes at a lower cost whilst reducing demand on the electricity grid. For industry professionals, it will reduce time and costs and translate into savings for the client.
“We’d like to thank the DPA and officers for their consideration of the changes, but most importantly, their action.”
The news rules mean that the fitting of an air source heat pump or air conditioning unit within the outer area of a house or other building is exempt from the need for planning permission, as long as:
- There is only one unit in total
- The unit is not positioned 1 metre or less from a neighbouring property boundary, and it is installed at ground floor level
- There is only one fan inside the unit
- The unit is not bigger than 1.75 metres in height, 1.5 metres in width and 0.75 metres in depth
- The noise coming from the unit doesn’t exceed the acceptable level