If you own a listed building, you may have assumed that installing an air source heat pump simply is not an option. It is a common misconception, and one we hear regularly from homeowners across South East London and beyond. The good news is that heat pump installation in a listed property is absolutely possible, but the process is different from a standard home.
Here is what you need to know before getting started.
Listed Buildings and Permitted Development
For most homeowners in England, air source heat pumps fall under permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is needed. However, listed buildings (Grade I, II* and II) are excluded from these permitted development rights.
This means that if your property is listed, or sits within the curtilage of a listed building, you will need to apply for listed building consent before any installation work can begin. In many cases, you may also need separate planning permission on top of that consent.
It is worth noting that this does not mean your application will be refused. Local planning authorities across England are broadly supportive of renewable heating technologies, especially as the push towards low-carbon homes continues under the Future Homes Standard.
What Does the Consent Process Involve?
To apply for listed building consent, you will need to submit an application to your local planning authority. This typically includes details of the proposed heat pump location, the unit dimensions, noise data, and photographs showing the visual impact on the property.
As MCS certified installers, we provide all of the technical documentation needed to support your application. You should allow 8 to 12 weeks for a decision, though more complex cases involving buildings of particular heritage significance may take longer.
Tips for Getting Approval
Conservation officers will want to see that the installation respects the character and appearance of the building. From our experience, here are a few practical steps that can strengthen your application:
- Position the outdoor unit in a rear garden or behind an outbuilding rather than on a front-facing wall.
- Choose a low-profile, compact unit in a neutral colour that blends with the property.
- Offer to include acoustic or visual screening, such as timber slats or planting.
- Demonstrate that the installation is fully reversible and will not cause permanent damage to the building’s original fabric.
Planning authorities are far more likely to approve applications where clear thought has gone into minimising visual and structural impact.
Can You Still Get the £7,500 Grant?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500 applies in full to listed building installations, provided the work is carried out by an MCS certified installer and the property meets the eligibility criteria. At Air To Heat, we handle the entire grant application on your behalf, so you do not need to worry about the paperwork.
How We Can Help
We have worked on a wide range of residential heat pump projects, including properties with heritage and conservation considerations. Our team understands the planning landscape and can guide you through the consent process from start to finish.
If you own a listed building and want to explore whether an air source heat pump is right for your home, get in touch with us today. We offer a free consultation to assess your property and discuss your options.
Call us on 0208 936 7639 or book a free consultation to get started.
