Whether you’re installing air conditioning for the first time or upgrading your old system, it’s essential to ask, “Do you need planning permission for air conditioning?”
You likely won’t need planning permission for air conditioning if you are replacing an existing system rather than adding a new one. However, if your home wasn’t originally built with an air conditioner in mind, you may require permission to install one and have any necessary alterations made.
If you own a property designated as having a special character or is listed, or if it falls within a conservation area or an area of scenic importance, then chances are you will need planning permission for air conditioning installations.
You might also require approval if there are any restrictions on what can be done to the exterior of your home.
How Do I check if I Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning?
If you wish to check if you need planning permission for an air conditioning installations, start by taking a close look at your home.
“Do you need planning permission for air conditioning?” Checklist:
- Is it listed or designated as having a special architectural or historical interest?
- Does it fall within a conservation area?
- Is it in an area of scenic importance?
If so, then you may need to apply for planning permission.
If you aren’t sure if your home falls into any of these categories, you can also check the National Planning Policy Framework to see if an air conditioning unit is listed as a permitted development.
There are three main ways to tell if you need planning permission for Air conditioning systems:
- Whether your home has been built with an air conditioner in mind
- Your home’s location
- Whether you are adding additional cooling capacity to your home
What 3 Ways Will Tell Me If I Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning?
Your home’s architectural design: If your home was built with an air conditioning unit in mind, you probably wouldn’t need planning permission. Suppose it’s one of the architectural styles listed below. In that case, however, you’ll need to apply for the planning permission for air conditioning.
Planning restrictions: If your home is located in a
- conservation area
- a scenic location
- or is listed
Chances are you will need planning permission to add air conditioning. Checking these elements of air conditioning Burton on Trent will tell you your building’s specific considerations.
Planning permission already granted – If a previous owner of your home applied for planning permission to install an air conditioning unit, you would likely have a right to continue using it. You should check your deeds or title deeds to determine how long the permission lasts.
Where Will I Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning?
If you own a property designated as having:
- a special character
- or is listed
- or if it falls within a conservation area or an area of scenic importance
Then chances are you will need planning permission to install an air conditioner.
You might also require approval if there are any restrictions on what can be done to the exterior of your home.
Certain architectural styles, such as those found in terraced houses and townhouses, are more likely to need planning permission for air conditioning.
If you own a detached house, semi-detached house, or a house that is part of a row of terraced or townhouses, you will likely not need planning permission to install small Air conditioning systems.
Where Won’t I Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning?
If your home is a detached house, semi-detached house, or a house that is part of a row of terraced or townhouses, you will likely not need to apply for planning permission to install a small air conditioning unit.
However, you should always check your area’s relevant laws and regulations.
If you own a listed property, it’s always best to check with your local authority to see if you need planning permission to install an air conditioner. If you don’t, you’ll need to make sure you don’t make any alterations to the exterior of your home.
Conclusion
Air conditioning is a must for many homeowners, especially in the sweltering summer months, but you must ask, “Do you need planning permission for air conditioning?”
While it can be tempting to add a new air conditioner unit to your home without necessarily applying for planning permission, there are many reasons why you should always check if you need approval first.
Suppose you own a listed property, a property in a conservation area, or a property that falls within an area of scenic beauty. In that case, you will likely have to apply for planning permission to install Air conditioning systems.
You can also tell if you need planning permission by checking if your home was built with an air conditioner in mind. If a previous owner applied for planning permission, you could also use it.
Planning permission is necessary to ensure that your air conditioner installation is safe, meets building regulations, and isn’t intrusive to your neighbours.
