For too long, planning red tape has slowed down the switch to low-carbon tech. But thanks to changes to Permitted Development Rights and the now-updated MCS 020 standard, those barriers have now been abolished - making it much easier for local authorities, housing providers, landlords and homeowners to install heat pumps and EV chargers.

Focusing on air source heat pumps here, let’s take a look at what’s changed - and more importantly, why it matters.

What the reforms say

Planning rules relating to the installation of heat pumps have been relaxed to allow for faster, more flexible deployment in both residential and commercial settings.

Here’s an outline of the key changes:

• Heat pumps now allowed within one metre of a property’s boundary
  
  
• An increase in allowable unit height to 1.5m and support for dual unit systems
  
  
• Increased volume allowances for external units
  
  
• Air-to-air systems now fall under permitted development
  
  
• Detached properties may now install up to two air source heat pumps

It’s important to note that the reforms don’t override protections for listed buildings or those in conservation areas. These properties will still require full planning permission. Noise restrictions also remain in place. All installations must comply with MCS 020, which limits noise to 37dB at the nearest neighbouring property.

Why these are gamechangers

For local authorities, housing providers, landlords and homeowners, these changes are a massive breakthrough. The old system created unnecessary cost, delay and complexity. That’s no longer the case.

Faster installs will mean:

• Faster progress toward the UK’s net zero goals
  
  
• Smarter use of time-sensitive funding
  
  
• Higher energy ratings across housing stock
  
  
• Less admin, which means more action

For landlords, the changes mean more flexibility. You can now:

• Install multiple units at larger properties
  
  
• Add new tech like air-to-air systems
  
  
• Avoid planning bottlenecks

And for homeowners? The removal of planning barriers means less paperwork, less hassle and delays, and more chance to go low carbon, save on bills, and improve home comfort.

Plug me in’s key takeaways

Here at Plug me in we see these reforms as a welcome unlock. Here's why:

• Urban-friendly rollout: ASHPs allowed within 1 metre of property boundaries opens doors for city homes and areas of high density housing to benefit from low carbon technologies.
  
  
• Greater design flexibility: New rules on unit size and dual systems let us tailor solutions more effectively across a broader range of properties, resulting in a wider outreach.
  
  
• Continued funding support: The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is staying - and there’s a £30m boost to the original £295m fund. That's a green light for wider adoption.
  
  
• Support for monthly payment models: Lease or pay-monthly solutions are gaining traction, helping more households make the switch without the upfront cost.

How Plug me in can help

The planning system just got easier. Now's the time to act.

At Plug me in, we're already helping local authorities, housing associations, landlords and homeowners to navigate this shift-with smart energy systems, flexible funding models and nationwide support. We're not just installers. We're long-term partners.

Here's what we offer:

1. End-to-end delivery: Feasibility. Funding. Installation. Resident care. Ongoing performance. We do it all - so you don't have to.

2. Fully compliant installs: We're aligned with the new MCS 020 standard. Every heat pump we install meets the new siting and sound rules.

3. Scalable project management: We've delivered retrofit projects across thousands of homes. We've got the systems, people and know-how to deliver at pace.

4. Funding that works: Through our Calisen Group partners, we help clients unlock government grants or remove upfront cost entirely with our funded models. And we welcome further consideration, consultation and development with the Government in this space.

5. Resident-first approach: Low disruption. Clear communication. Great support. We put residents at the heart of every retrofit journey.

Gemma French, Head of Housing & Public Sector, Plug me in commented:

"Planning reform is a welcome and necessary gamechanger for the sector, removing long-standing friction points that have slowed adoption. But regulatory progress must be matched by affordability, performance and public confidence.

"To scale effectively, we need sustained investment in green skills, wider availability of flexible financing options and trusted delivery partners who can offer integrated, data-led support from funding through to aftercare. These changes take us in the right direction-but there's still much more to do."

Ready to take advantage of the planning reforms?

The rules have changed. So should your approach.

If you're ready to go faster, further and smarter with low-carbon heating, Plug me in is ready to help.