Compared with its sources on 5 November 2026
Does air conditioning need planning permission?
Not if you are fitting a reversible unit to a house and it meets every permitted development condition. A cooling-only unit, a listed building, a road-facing wall in a conservation area, or a flat above a shop will all change the answer. This guide covers England, including what that means in Leamington Spa.
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What must a unit do to count as permitted development?
| Condition | House | Block of flats |
|---|---|---|
| Must not be used solely for cooling | Yes | Yes |
| Installed to MCS 020(a) | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor unit size limit | 1.5 cubic metres | 0.6 cubic metres |
| How many are covered | First unit, or first two if detached | First unit, block must be wholly flats |
| Pitched roof | No | No |
| Flat roof | At least 1 metre from the edge | At least 1 metre from the edge |
Every position must also, so far as practicable, limit the effect on the look of the building and the area. A unit no longer needed for heating has to come down as soon as reasonably practicable. Source: Planning Portal.
Why does a reversible unit get treated differently?
These rights were written for heating. Since 29 May 2025 air-to-air heat pumps can use them even though they also cool, but the unit must not be used solely for cooling. That means a cooling-only system has no route through permitted development, and you should expect to apply. Sources: MCS; Planning Portal.
Where can an outdoor unit go in a conservation area?
Not on a wall or roof facing a highway, and no nearer to a bounding highway than any part of the building. That effectively moves the unit to the back or to a well-set-back side wall.
Outside a conservation area, the wall above ground-floor level is excluded if it faces a highway. Leamington's conservation area covers much of the town centre, across 37 character areas in the council's guide. Warwick, Kenilworth, Stratford, Coventry, Rugby and Solihull all have their own areas, listed on our areas page. Sources: Planning Portal; Warwick District Council.
Why do flats above shops fall outside the rules?
Because the rights for flats apply only to a building made up wholly of flats, so it cannot also contain commercial premises. On Regent Street, Clemens Street, Warwick Street and other mixed streets in town, that takes many first and second floors out of permitted development altogether. Expect to apply, and get the freeholder on side first. The flats guide has more. Source: Planning Portal.
How loud can the outdoor unit be?
Permitted development depends on MCS 020(a), which calculates the sound level at a point next to the neighbouring building's nearest door or window. The calculated figure has to be 37 dB(A) or less. Barriers and careful positioning can help a unit pass. Since 28 May 2026 the Planning Portal has listed MCS 020(a) as the only permitted scheme, so ask to see the sum for your own unit. Sources: Grant UK; Planning Portal.
What can take your rights away without you noticing?
A condition on your home's original planning permission, an Article 4 direction, or another local restriction. All three can remove permitted development, and they do not always show up on a quick search. Newer estates are worth checking, and the Leamington guide lists Article 4 controls on paint colours in several streets. Ask Warwick District Council, or whichever council covers you, if you are unsure. Sources: Planning Portal; Warwick District Council.
What about businesses and listed buildings?
Businesses should plan on applying, since the Planning Portal says air source heat pumps on non-domestic land are likely to need permission. Listed buildings get no permitted development within their grounds, and need listed building consent as well. See commercial air conditioning and listed buildings. Source: Planning Portal.
Common questions
What happens if I fit one without permission when I needed it?
The council can take enforcement action, and a notice can order the unit removed. Ignoring such a notice is a criminal offence. It is much cheaper to check first.
Can I get written proof I did not need permission?
Yes. You can ask the council for a certificate of lawful development, which is useful when you sell.
Do the rules differ in Wales or Scotland?
Yes. This guide covers England only.
Sources
- Planning Portal: air source heat pumps on homes
- MCS: permitted development changes from 29 May 2025
- Grant UK: England planning guide, including the 37dB(A) test (March 2026)
- Warwick District Council: Leamington guide to conservation areas
- Planning Portal: heat pumps on non-domestic buildings
- Mishcon de Reya: before installing air conditioning (July 2026)
Before you ring
These details let us give you a better answer on the first call.
- Your postcode
- Flat, house or workplace
- Whether the building is listed
- Which rooms, roughly how big, and which way they face
- Who owns the outside walls, if you lease or rent
Ready to have it done? Air conditioning in Leamington Spa explains what we fit and look after, and where we travel.
If you want this done
Air conditioning installation
Survey, consents, fitting and start-up, in that order.
Air-to-air heat pumps
One system for winter warmth and summer cooling, room by room.
Multi-split air conditioning
Several rooms on one outdoor unit, each with its own controller.
Other guides
How much does air conditioning cost?
Fitted prices, electrics, running costs and the extras people forget.
Can you have air conditioning in a listed building?
Consent, siting and humidity, for Grade II and Grade II* homes.
Is air conditioning allowed in a flat?
Leases, freeholders, planning limits and flats above shops.
Is air conditioning for a bedroom worth it?
How hot is too hot, what size to buy and what a night costs.
Air conditioning for a loft conversion: what works?
Why lofts overheat, and where units go under a sloping roof.
What size air conditioner do you need?
A room size table in kW and BTU, plus when to go larger.
How do you check the F-gas register for an installer?
Company certificates, personal qualifications and who to ask.
Portable against fixed air conditioning: which wins?
An honest comparison, including when a portable is the better buy.
Want us to call you?
Tell us where you are and what is too hot or too cold. Or ring 01926 967778.