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The UK government’s latest planning reform marks a major shift in the country's drive towards low-carbon home heating. In a bid to speed up the adoption of heat pumps, ministers have overhauled the planning rules that once hindered installations in many homes, especially in tightly packed urban areas.
This is part of the government's broader goal to hit 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, a target widely seen as necessary to reduce household reliance on gas boilers and meet the UK’s legally binding net-zero commitments. But while the legislation is undoubtedly a step forward for climate policy, it comes with some fine print that every household, especially those watching their bills, needs to be aware of.
From May 2025, the following changes have taken effect across England:
1. The “one-metre rule” has been scrapped: Previously, outdoor heat pump units had to be placed at least one metre from the boundary of a neighbouring property. That’s no longer the case, making installations in dense urban areas much more feasible.
2. Bigger units are now allowed: The permitted size for a heat pump has increased from 0.6 to 1.5 cubic metres. An important update as some systems need more capacity to heat larger homes efficiently.
3. You can now install more than one unit: Detached homes can now install two outdoor heat pump units without requiring planning permission, which could benefit properties with higher heating needs or complex layouts.
These updates reduce red tape and reflect the government’s recognition that access to low-carbon heating should not depend on postcode or property type.
There’s no doubt that heat pumps are an environmentally sound upgrade. They work by transferring heat rather than generating it, often achieving efficiencies of 300–400%. That means for every 1kWh of electricity used, they can deliver up to 4kWh of heat. This is a huge improvement over traditional electric heaters and far cleaner than burning natural gas.
However, this switch from gas to electric heating isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. For most households, installing a heat pump will significantly increase electricity consumption. One recent analysis estimated that a typical UK home could see its electricity use rise by over 60%, or roughly 3,000 additional kilowatt hours per year, after switching to a heat pump. Given that electricity in the UK is currently three to four times more expensive per unit than gas, this shift could nudge energy bills upward unless carefully managed.
The UK still relies heavily on fossil fuels to generate electricity, which affects both the carbon footprint of your power and the price you pay for it. So while heat pumps are greener in principle, the actual environmental and financial benefit depends heavily on what powers them.
If you’re drawing all your electricity from the grid, the green gains could be undercut by gas-fired power stations and rising wholesale prices. On the flip side, if you can pair your heat pump with a source of clean, low-cost electricity, like solar, you’ll be in a much stronger position.
One of the most effective ways to counteract the rise in electricity usage from a heat pump is to install solar panels. By generating your own power, especially during daylight hours when heat pumps often operate most efficiently, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your monthly bills.
Battery storage adds another layer of protection. These systems store surplus electricity, either from your solar array or off-peak grid tariffs, for use during high-demand periods, such as early mornings or evenings when solar output drops. Together, solar and storage can cushion the impact of increased electricity use and offer greater resilience against fluctuating energy prices.
While rooftop solar and large battery installations are ideal for many suburban homes, they’re not the only options. For those living in flats or urban properties without suitable roof space, portable solutions like balcony solar panels and plug-and-play battery units offer a flexible and accessible way to tap into solar power. These systems may be smaller in scale, but they’re a valuable supplement that can shave hundreds of pounds off electricity bills over the course of a year. Especially when paired with a heat pump.
Fortunately, the UK government recognises the need for support during this transition. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, households can currently apply for grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump installation. Some energy providers are also offering specialised heat pump tariffs, often with lower off-peak rates, to help reduce running costs for users who can shift usage to cheaper periods.
That said, making the most of these benefits requires planning. Smart meters, time-of-use tariffs, and intelligent control systems are increasingly important for households looking to fine-tune their energy use and maximise the returns from solar and battery investments.
The easing of heat pump planning restrictions is a necessary and welcome change, but it comes with a complex set of considerations for homeowners and tenants alike. While heat pumps are efficient and environmentally friendly, they’re not magic. Without clean, affordable electricity to power them, users could see their energy bills rise instead of fall.
This is where renewable generation and home storage play a critical role. Whether it’s a full rooftop solar array or a compact balcony setup paired with a plug-in battery, smart energy choices can turn a heat pump from a cost burden into a climate and cost solution.
For those navigating this transition, the key takeaway is this: it’s not just about switching your heating system, it’s about rethinking how your home produces, stores, and uses energy.
Sources: BBC News, Energy Saving Trust, Latitude Media, Daikin UK, PV Magazine.