The Town and County Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025 is a welcome regulatory update for the sector. It reflects growing alignment between planning, environmental goals, and the practical challenges faced by property owners and agents.
Propertymark has long supported reforms that enable landlords to invest in energy efficiency without being hampered by complex bureaucracy or planning bottlenecks. While cost remains a key concern, easing the planning process removes a significant psychological and operational hurdle— particularly for landlords with multiple properties where scaling improvements can be daunting.
What is changing?
Under permitted development rights, air source heat pumps were previously restricted from being installed within one metre of a property boundary. This requirement often blocked installations for flats, terraced homes, and properties with compact outdoor spaces—common within the PRS.
Electric vehicle chargers could not be installed where an electrical outlet would face onto and be within 2 metres of a highway.
The rule change, applied from 29 May 2025, will apply retroactively to permitted development regulations for properties in England, meaning fewer...The rule change will apply retroactively to permitted development regulations, meaning fewer applications to local authorities and a streamlined path for property owners wishing to decarbonise their portfolios.
Greater viability for retrofitting PRS properties
This planning reform is especially relevant to urban and high-density housing, where space limitations have previously made heat pump installations difficult without full planning permission. Letting agents advising landlords on property improvements now have a clearer route to recommending low-carbon heating solutions across a wider range of properties.
Simplified compliance with energy efficiency legislation
With evolving Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and increased scrutiny on property EPCs, this change gives landlords a tangible route to improving performance ratings. Upgrading to a heat pump can support efforts to future-proof housing stock and meet anticipated net-zero regulatory requirements.
Stronger case for using incentives
The removal of the 1-metre rule enhances the accessibility of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which currently offers grants of up to £7,500 for eligible heat pump installations. Previously, landlords with space-constrained properties may have been disqualified from claiming support due to planning permission challenges. This change may increase uptake and accelerate return on investment.
How agents can support their landlords
Review property portfolios to identify homes that may now qualify for heat pump installation without planning delays and engage with landlords about opportunities for grant funding and long-term savings.
Propertymark members can stay informed about further updates to permitted development rights and building regulations, especially in the run-up to 2028 and 2030 EPC milestones, by signing up for newsletters and legislation updates via their online account and subscribing to our social media channels.
