ASHP - disconnect between National and local government objectives

worlestone

Encouraged to get an ASHP and then refused planning, even as permitted development...

We've spent the last year going through the process of getting government HUG2 funding to install solar PV and a complete ASHP (inc radiators etc) moving away from old storage heaters. We wanted solar PV and updated storage heaters, but were persuaded to go for an ASHP by the funders and installers.

Because of where the installers said the external unit should be sited, within 1m of our boundary we had to apply for planning permission, on the understanding it was something of a formality. After spending almost £500 on the application and plans were facing refusal on grounds os the noise, it'll be at the limit of 42Db on the MCS.  On asking the planning officer for advice on the installation, it seems that now we're on their radar even if we change location to be well within the 1m limit in the garden they've said we'll need a Certificate of Lawfulness  and even then they'll want to check it.

It does seem that local planning officers really don't like ASHPs whereas national government is promoting them as the future

Spies

Is there not a different model of heatpump that will sneak into the noise limit? 

michaels

worlestone said:

Encouraged to get an ASHP and then refused planning, even as permitted development...

We've spent the last year going through the process of getting government HUG2 funding to install solar PV and a complete ASHP (inc radiators etc) moving away from old storage heaters. We wanted solar PV and updated storage heaters, but were persuaded to go for an ASHP by the funders and installers.

Because of where the installers said the external unit should be sited, within 1m of our boundary we had to apply for planning permission, on the understanding it was something of a formality. After spending almost £500 on the application and plans were facing refusal on grounds os the noise, it'll be at the limit of 42Db on the MCS.  On asking the planning officer for advice on the installation, it seems that now we're on their radar even if we change location to be well within the 1m limit in the garden they've said we'll need a Certificate of Lawfulness  and even then they'll want to check it.

It does seem that local planning officers really don't like ASHPs whereas national government is promoting them as the future

Interesting that they would use the sound level as grounds for refusal if it is within the MCS limits for permitted development.

worlestone

The LPA is asking that even within the permitted development the pump should be measured against the Institute of Acoustics methodology and be at least 10Db below this MCS 42Db limit... 32Db! We have no hope it seems

Reed_Richards

Legislation is needed to stop local councils playing silly b's.  At the very least, level the playing field and impose the same standards and restrictions on oil and gas boilers.  

daveyjp

Reed_Richards said:

Legislation is needed to stop local councils playing silly b's.  At the very least, level the playing field and impose the same standards and restrictions on oil and gas boilers.  

Council's have to be mindful it will be their colleagues in Environmental Health who will be dealing with the noise complaint.  If the OP believes the Council have erred with the refusal there is a formal planning appeal process.

michaels

worlestone said:

The LPA is asking that even within the permitted development the pump should be measured against the Institute of Acoustics methodology and be at least 10Db below this MCS 42Db limit... 32Db! We have no hope it seems

So 100cm from the boundary and just meet the MCS criteria and all is good, 1cm closer to the boundary and potentially quieter but over 32DB and they turn it down - farce!

Exiled_Tyke

I had a similar experience.  Octopus put a planning application in as their assessment went to just over the 42Db.  My local council rejected the application citing the 'semi-rural' location as a factor and would not consider further without a survey.  We are not 'semi-rural' but definitely suburban.  The 'rural' is that we over look playing fields so enjoy the sounds of enthusiastic (and often foul-mouthed) footballers at the weekends.  More significant is that we are in direct line of sight to the local airport and are subjected to the noise of aircraft day and night.  These are far more intrusive than an ASHP. To add to that, the affected neighbours were on my side.  And this whole saga delayed proceedings by around 5 months. 

Octopus then said we didn't need planning after all, just a fence panel. Which we had erected in less than a week. When I complained to Octopus they are least had the decency to refund the planning application fee. 

The installed ASHP is now running smoothly and the noise is barely perceptible.  I haven't checked readings yet (my neighbour has a sound meter). But I can't believe the noise is anything like 42Db and I wouldn't be surprised if it's less than 32Db. My pond water feature makes more noise!  

Alnat1

We've given up for now with our Octopus install as our local Environmental Health department won't budge on the noise regulations, 2 decibels over at neighbours bedroom window which is 8.5m away.

Planning department suggested putting a box around the ASHP  or erecting a fence. Unless the fence went up the middle of our kitchen window, it would need to be 3m away from ASHP and around 4m high to block line of sight to neighbours window 

Hoping regs change soon, as we don't want to pay the high prices quoted by other fitters.

FreeBear

Alnat1 said: Planning department suggested putting a box around the ASHP  or erecting a fence.

Put a box round the HP to comply with the planning dept suggestion. Wait for the next big storm to come along and blow it away.