If you are looking to install air conditioning systems on your business premises, you should be aware of rules and regulations that must be followed, as you will require planning permission for larger HVAC units. It is recommended that you contact your local authority and communicate the plans for the type of air conditioning unit you wish to install. They will consider the effect this may have on the type of building you own and whether it will impact your neighbours or the surrounding environment.
Before you apply for planning permission for air conditioning, allow us help you work out whether or not you will need to.
Why do you need planning permission?
Planning permission is the written approval you will need from local council before carrying out large building work at your premises. The project will be assessed before it has begun, to see if it is unsafe or if it will cause any issues affecting conservation areas or causing noise pollution. You will also need listed building consent if your commercial premises are protected.
Do you need planning permission for air conditioning on your commercial premises?
There are two different types of building projects that you can undertake when it comes to air conditioning. Permitted developments are projects which can go ahead without requiring permission, which are usually small interior changes. Larger projects that could cause disruption to the area require permission before beginning, depending on the type of building. In most cases, you will not need planning permission to install an air conditioning unit, as long as they are small air conditioners. For larger systems, it is possible that you will need to apply for planning permission, but there are a number of variables that will determine whether or not this is necessary. You will need to apply in most cases if:
- You are installing an external unit on a pitched roof.
- The external unit is installed within 1 metre of the edge of a flat roof.
- The external unit is less than 1 metre away from the boundary of the property.
One of the major factors contributing to planning permission is the amount of noise pollution that a large air conditioning system can produce. Both split and central air conditioning systems use an external compressor, which will need to be positioned so that the noise is minimal to the surrounding area.
Contact JP Air Conditioning
If you are unsure whether or not you require planning permission to install an air conditioning unit at your commercial premises, it is worth consulting the experts. Our team at JP Air conditioning can provide their advice to you on the type of HVAC unit suitable for your building and whether or not you require permission. We can then manage the installation process to guarantee a high-quality system that is up and running as quickly as possible. For more information on our installation services and our repairs and maintenance, give us a call on 0208 333 1191 or email info@jpaircon.com to find out more. You can also request a quote through our website and you can expect a response within 24 hours.
How Noise Levels Impact Planning Permission for Air Conditioning
Whiles considering the installation of an air conditioning system on your commercial property, noise levels are a significant factor that can influence whether planning permission is required. Larger air conditioning units, especially those with external compressors, can produce noise that may disturb neighbouring properties or violate local noise regulations. Local planning authorities will assess the potential noise impact on the surrounding area as part of the planning application process, particularly if your property is near residential areas or sensitive sites like a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ensuring your system is compliant with acceptable noise levels can help streamline the planning permission process and avoid objections from local authorities or neighbours.
