UK summers often turn out to be scorchers these days. This has led to many businesses investing in commercial air conditioning to keep things cool when the weather heats up. An important consideration is whether planning permission is needed to do this.
Is planning permission needed to install commercial air conditioning?
In many cases, you will not need to apply for planning permission for a commercial air con unit. However, in some cases your system may fall outside of permitted development status. According to Checkatrade, this could apply if your air conditioning system is:
- Located less than a metre from any property boundaries.
- Larger than 0.6m³.
- Located within a metre of the edge of a flat roof.
- Fitted on a pitched roof.
- Added to a property that already has a wind turbine installed.
Planning permission for commercial air con might also be needed if your business is located in a restricted area, such as:
- Conservation Areas
- World Heritage Sights
- National Parks
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
How to find out if planning permission is needed
The best way forward is to get your air conditioning planned and installed by professional heating and cooling experts.
At Heritage, we offer a free site survey for all new customers. We visit your premises and quote for the best air con system that meets your business’s needs – all at no extra cost. We can also confidently advise you on whether planning permission is necessary.
If you have any doubts as to whether your potential air conditioning system meets the permitted development criteria, we also advise you to contact your local planning office before starting any work. This will ensure that all guidelines are met.
What other air conditioning regulations are there?
As heating and cooling experts, there are several other industry regulations that we take into account when planning air con installations for our customers.
1. Noise pollution
Modern commercial air conditioning units are far quieter than old, outdated systems. However, noise pollution is still an important consideration for ensuring your new unit meets industry regulations.
We work out how to minimise any potential noise caused by the air con units we supply, particularly units that are installed externally.
2. Listed buildings
Just as planning permission is sometimes needed in restricted areas, businesses that operate from listed buildings will likely need to get special consent for air con installation. This will need to be done before the work begins.
3. F-gas
All our engineers are Gas Safe certified, which is essential when installing air conditioning units that use refrigerants (often called F-gases). This means our engineers are qualified to work on air con systems that use these cooling chemicals and ensure they meet industry regulations.
