For most homes the answer is no. A typical home air conditioning installation is treated as permitted development, which means you don't need to apply for planning permission, provided the outdoor unit meets a few conditions.
The usual conditions
- The outdoor unit is a sensible size, and positioned to keep noise away from neighbours.
- It's sited, as far as practical, to limit its effect on how the building and area look.
- It's removed if it's no longer needed.
When you might need permission or consent
- Listed buildings: you'll need listed building consent before any work.
- Conservation areas and the Peak District National Park: the outdoor unit usually shouldn't go on a wall or roof facing a road.
- Flats and maisonettes: permitted development rules differ, and you may also need the freeholder's permission.
- Where an earlier planning permission has removed permitted development rights, which sometimes happens on newer estates.
Planning rules change from time to time, and your local council has the final say. Derbyshire's district councils and the Peak District National Park Authority all offer pre-application advice if you're unsure.
How we handle it
We check at the survey whether your home is listed or in a conservation area or the National Park, and plan the outdoor unit's position accordingly. If anything needs an application, we'll tell you before you commit.
Book a free survey and we'll check the planning position for your home. Try the estimator or book a free survey.