Will we see 'noisy heat pump' rows as Ed Miliband lets homeowners put them right next to neighbours?
Homeowners no longer need to get planning permission to install a heat pump less than one metre away from a neighbour's property, the government has said.
As Labour battles to boost the number of heat pumps installed across Britain amid its net-zero drive, it eased the planning restriction.
Before the announced change, homeowners needed planning permission if they wanted to install a heat pump within one metre of their neighbour's property amid concerns over noise.
In locations where homes are close together or terraced, the former rule would often delay heat pump installations.
The change relates to the installation of air source heat pumps. Most ground source heat pump installations already fall under permitted development rules and do not require additional planning consent.
Air source heat pumps sit on the outside wall of a home and look similar to the air conditioning units seen outside many industrial buildings.
The planning changes also included a relaxation of the rules for the size and number of heat pumps households can install.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, led by Ed Miliband, heat pumps typically have sound levels 'similar to a fridge'.
However, some people have previously complained about heat pump noise, saying they can sound similar to industrial fan units found by restaurant kitchens.
The government department said it commissioned independent research last year which concluded that noise complaints from air source heat pumps were rare and that heat pumps were generally perceived as being very quiet.
For many homeowners concerns remain about the high cost of heat pumps, despite grants being available.
Homeowners who want to make the leap from gas boiler to heat pump already have access to grants worth up to £7,500. Even with the grants, critics claim heat pumps remain an option that only a minority of households can afford.
Thomas Clarke, who runs Asset Plumbing & Heating in London, told This is Money the planning rule easing will help his customers and business.
He said: 'Previously, there would often be long delays and many customers had to pay extra for an architect in order to get a heat pump fitted. The easing of the planning rule is helping to streamline the process.'
Clarke told This is Money that the government should provide more help to small and medium sized businesses to ensure they can afford to train up apprentices.
He said a shortage in the number of people trained to install heat pumps was driving up the cost of installations for households.
David Broom, new build partnerships director at Kensa, told This is Money: 'The changes will make it easier for households to install air source heat pumps without needing planning permission.
'Any move that removes barriers and helps more people switch to efficient, low-carbon heating should be welcomed.'
He added: 'For ground source heat pumps, the good news is most installations already fall under permitted development, meaning they won't require planning consent.
'While these updates are a step in the right direction and should help boost uptake, more still needs to be done to make heat pumps accessible to every household.
'The most effective next move would be for the government to implement the long-awaited Future Homes Standard. This would end gas boiler installations in new developments, unlocking a market for around 200,000 heat pump installations each year.'
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told This is Money: 'The energy shocks of recent years have shown the urgent need to upgrade British homes and our Warm Homes Plan will make them cheaper and cleaner to run, rolling out upgrades from new insulation to solar and heat pumps.
'We are helping more people get a heat pump, providing £7,500 towards the cost, and they are three times more efficient than gas boilers, enabling families to save around £100 a year by using a smart tariff.
'All heat pumps installed have to comply with strict sound emission limits.'
How to find a new mortgage
Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible.
Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can.
Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C
> Mortgage rates calculator
> Find the right mortgage for you
What if I need to remortgage?
Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act.
Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it.
Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees.
Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone.
What if I am buying a home?
Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be.
Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power.
What about buy-to-let landlords
Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages.
This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too.
How to compare mortgage costs
The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker.
This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice.
Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs.
If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.
> Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C
Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
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