The Welsh Government has published a summary of responses to its "Changes to Permitted Development Rights" consultation, which covered air source heat pumps, off-street electric vehicle chargers, temporary campsites, reverse vending machines, development by statutory undertakers (electricity), affordable housing and meanwhile uses, and the definition of major development1. The consultation document was launched on 8 April 2025 and was open for responses until 1 July 2025, setting out 49 specific questions1.
The consultation generated 174 responses during the consultation period, plus 2 late responses, a total of 1761. By respondent category, 36 (20 per cent) came from business or consultants, 11 (6 per cent) from government agencies or other public sector bodies, 15 (9 per cent) from local planning authorities, 83 (47 per cent) from other groups or individuals not listed, 21 (12 per cent) from professional bodies or interest groups, and 10 (6 per cent) from voluntary sector or community groups1.
On air source heat pumps, the Welsh Government proposed removing condition G.3(a), which requires a unit to be used solely for heating purposes, so that air-to-air heat pumps could also be installed. Of those answering, 106 agreed, 5 disagreed and 25 did not know, which the document gives as 78 per cent in agreement1. A second proposal would remove the limitation requiring an air source heat pump to be 3m from the property boundary; 103 agreed, 9 disagreed and 24 did not know, given as 76 per cent in agreement1.
The Welsh Government's response states that all air source heat pumps installed under permitted development rights will need to comply with MCS 020(a) standards, alongside existing limits on unit volume, number, location and design, and consideration of sensitive areas1. Where compliance is not achieved, a planning application will be required1. The document notes that MCS introduced amended air source heat pump standards on 20 March 2025, further amended on 23 April1.
"The majority of responses show strong support for the proposal to remove condition G.3(a). We consider the potential benefits of this proposal will enhance consumer choice and encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies in households across Wales."
| Proposal | Agree | Disagree | Don't know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove condition G.3(a) (heating-only restriction) | 106 | 5 | 25 |
| Remove the 3m boundary rule | 103 | 9 | 24 |
Why it matters for households
Permitted development rights let certain installations go ahead without a planning application. The two heat pump proposals would widen what can be fitted without that step: air-to-air units, and units closer to a boundary than 3m. Responses noted that the 3m rule falls hardest on homes with limited outdoor space, and that noise nuisance was the most frequent concern raised1. The MCS 020(a) noise assessment standard is cited in the government's response as the control that would apply instead1. For a household, the practical effect sits with the electricity network regulation and charges that apply to any installed equipment, and with the wider UK home energy regulation and policy framework. The consultation also covered development by statutory undertakers for electricity, which touches the electricity transmission network and the NESO arrangements behind it. Devolved rules differ: this document covers Wales only, and readers in other nations should note that separate regimes apply, as set out for Northern Ireland and in the Welsh energy supply picture.
What happens next
The summary states that the changes "will be taken forward when the necessary resources become available in a second phase of implementation"1. No date for that second phase is given in the document.