Do I need planning permission for a heat pumps in Cambridge City Council?
Typical answer
In most cases, heat pumps in Cambridge City Council fall under Permitted Development rights (Part 14 Class G), but require Prior Approval from the Local Planning Authority before works start. Key factors include Article 4 restrictions, conservation-area designation, and compliance with the specific thresholds set out in the General Permitted Development Order 2015 — check these carefully before proceeding.
Source: Part 14 Class G — legislation.gov.uk · Verified 2026-04-18
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Permitted Development rules
Part 14 Class G thresholds
These are the key numerical limits under Part 14 Class G of the General Permitted Development Order 2015. Your project must satisfy all of them to qualify as Permitted Development.
| Clause | Rule | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| G.1 | Outdoor unit volume cap | Dwellinghouse (m³): 1.5; Block of flats (m³): 0.6 |
| G.1(boundary) | Minimum distance from curtilage boundary | Min metres: 1 |
| G.1(flat_roof_edge) | Flat-roof mount must be more than 1 m from the roof edge | Min metres from edge: 1 |
| G.1(one_unit) | Maximum one ASHP outdoor unit per dwelling | Max units: 1 |
| Source: Part 14 Class G — legislation.gov.uk | ||
Cambridge City Council planning data
Local planning facts
Approval rate
0.9%
Below average for householder applications
Source: MHCLG Planning Statistics (PS2)
Planning application fee
£548
Householder application (national fee)
Reviewed April 2026 · gov.uk source
Submission portal
Portal link not yet listed for Cambridge City Council. Use the national Planning Portal.
Other project types in Cambridge City Council
Get a verdict for your specific property
The rules above apply nationally. Your assessment checks your specific address against Article 4 directions, conservation area boundaries, and listed building status — in under five minutes.
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