Heat pumps

matt_drummer

oliver1951 said:

Just got this from BG. “ In relation to your query, British Gas are not an “accredited competent person that is registered on the GOV competent person scheme list” and therefore we would not be able to sign off on our own work as per the Building Regulations.”
Matt did you have a building regs issue with Octopus?

No, I did not.

I not sure why you got this message, maybe something to do with the BUS grant?

Octopus applied for the grant on my behalf.

I had to fill in an online form via a link to a government website.

I got notification that my grant was approved in less than 24 hours, no issues whatsoever.

My only problem has been Ipswich Borough Council and planning, but I am not unhappy with my solution, it's going to look good as I have put a lot of thought into it.

Honestly, I would go with Octopus if you can, much better than BG, confirmed by the Octopus installers.

Octopus are a good company, a bit of big company type red tape to deal with but nothing you wouldn't expect.

Yesterday was a bit difficult but today has been much better as I have bonded a bit with the installers.

Just make their life as easy as possible and no they are going out of their way to help me.

I'm really enjoying it, a bit of disruption, but not much really considering what a big job it is.

The installers are really good, I was worried beforehand but now I am confident it's going to be a first class install.

Go with Octopus if you can.

oliver1951

No, it’s not the grant it’s building regs approval for the ASHP. The council requires building regs approval for the AHSP. This can be achieved in one oF two ways. Either via a building regs app to the council, or if your supplier is accredited then they can certify after completion. Sadly it appears BG is not accredited. So it’s down to me. Octopus quoted, but didn’t do a very good survey. Then when they found out it required a complete re piping they said they didn’t do that and withdrew. 

oliver1951

Matt so you had to apply for planning too then?

matt_drummer

oliver1951 said:

No, it’s not the grant it’s building regs approval for the ASHP. The council requires building regs approval for the AHSP. This can be achieved in one oF two ways. Either via a building regs app to the council, or if your supplier is accredited then they can certify after completion. Sadly it appears BG is not accredited. So it’s down to me. Octopus quoted, but didn’t do a very good survey. Then when they found out it required a complete re piping they said they didn’t do that and withdrew. 

I don't know why building regulations come into it.

I can only imagine that it will be to do with the electrical installation.

BG will use qualified electricians and plumbers, they will know the regs.

I would think it will only be a case of paying the council to have it inspected on completion.

Talk to the council, mine were poor in respect to  their guidance on what they would approve but they were very helpful in finding a solution that they were happy with. Their advice and assistance would have cost me a lot elsewhere.

matt_drummer

Thinking about it, building regs don't come into my install as I don't need planning permission for my new location, it's permitted development.

I truly think the building regs will be easy, just a quick inspection from the council, talk to them.

DougMLancs

My install is PD but my installer is signing mine off as a competent person otherwise it is a £387 fee to the Council for their quick visit.

matt_drummer

oliver1951 said:

Matt so you had to apply for planning too then?

Yes, I did.

I had to apply because I failed the MCS noise test by half a decibel.

The Environmental Protection Officer at Ipswich Borough Council was going to object on the basis that I failed the MCS noise test and the planning officer would recommend that my planning permission was refused on this advice.

I withdrew my application as it was never going to succeed.

The MCS noise limit is 42 dB and mine was 42.50 which is rounded up to 43 dB.

Octopus are having installs approved at 49 dB in other areas.

I wrote to my MP with little success despite his aims for `a greener Ipswich'

You can read the whole story here

Air Source Heat Pump - Planning permission required! — MoneySavingExpert Forum

oliver1951

I have been in dialogue with the council for over a month and they are very demanding and not very helpful. Planning permission is expensive and difficult. Building regs are just an additional complication, mainly because as I’ve now discovered BG have chosen not to become accredited. That worries me some.

matt_drummer

oliver1951 said:

I have been in dialogue with the council for over a month and they are very demanding and not very helpful. Planning permission is expensive and difficult. Building regs are just an additional complication, mainly because as I’ve now discovered BG have chosen not to become accredited. That worries me some.

I'm not sure you have said.

Why do you need planning permission?

oliver1951

They tell me I have to have planning permission because the Ashp is going at the front of the house and it faces a road. More than that I have to provide a heritage report + + . And no, I’m not in a conservation area, but am close. The issue on noise may explain why in BG’s adjusted sound level it comes out at 42db!