‘Red tape scrapping is welcome – but more policy changes are needed’
The CEO of heat pump manufacturer Aira UK has said the government’s new proposals to scrap planning red tape for the installation of heat pumps in the UK will be a big breakthrough for the industry and consumers – but more policy changes are needed.
Consumers currently have to wait months to receive planning permission from local councils before they can replace gas burning boilers with new environmentally-friendly heat pumps.
The proposed changes to permitted development rights will, in many cases, enable homeowners to install a heat pump as easily as a installing a jacuzzi or new garden shed.
Daniel Särefjord said 95% of the UK’s gas boilers are still being replaced with ‘ polluting and highly inefficient’ systems, despite the availability of more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives such as heat pumps.
“Currently months of planning policy red tape must be overcome before a heat pump installation is permitted. Very few individuals and families can accept to live without heating and hot water for months on end to finally be able to ditch their dirty fossil-fuelled boiler.”
The Government’s recent announcement that it is looking to change the rules on permitted development will play a critical role in encouraging more consumers to install a heat pump in their home, he said.
“By making the switch to a heat pump quicker and simpler, the UK can reduce its total emissions by 16-17%, making it a critical component in taking Europe off gas. It is crucial to recognise the transformative potential of heat pump technology in lowering energy bills and emissions, and we need more policy changes like this without delay to bring us closer to reaching our nation’s legally binding net zero targets.”
