There are a range of factors involved when it comes to air conditioning and planning permission. Whether you need planning permission to install an air conditioning system will depend on the type of property, your location, your neighbours and whether it is for a residential or commercial space.
Residential Properties
There are a couple of instances where you would need to apply for planning permission if you are to install an A/C unit in your home. Firstly, if you live in a listed building, you will need to apply for planning permission. This can be quite difficult to obtain due to the extra restrictions in place to protect the building. Another instance would be if the sight and noise levels of an external condenser has a negative impact on your neighbours. This can be common in apartment blocks, where external condensers are often not permitted.
Commercial Properties
The requirements for commercial properties aren’t too different from residential properties. Similarly, if your business is based within a Grade II listed building, you will need to acquire permission to install an A/C unit. In addition, you will require planning permission if the air conditioning system is going to alter or extend the exterior of the site.
How do you apply for planning permission?
You can start your planning permission application via the Government’s official website – here.
What happens if you cannot get planning permission?
If you are unable to get planning permission, don’t worry! There are a number of self-contained and water-cooled air conditioning units that provide an ideal solution. Internal units do not require an external condenser which means that you would not need to apply for planning permission.
These units are ideal for residential spaces like apartments, listed buildings and properties with limited space. They will also benefit commercial properties where external units are not possible such as shops inside shopping centres.
How do water-cooled internal condensers work?
This type of air conditioning system features an internal condenser unit that the installation team will conceal within the property. It uses mains water to effectively remove heat from the room. Even though, the installation team will install the condenser unit inside the property, this should not be a cause for concern as they have a very low noise output. The systems also have Wi-Fi capabilities which will enable you to easily access and control climate settings.
At ACS Installations, we specialise in installing internal A/C systems. Our team of friendly experts are happy to tell you more about installing air conditioning without planning permission. Get in touch with us today!
