Here’s our summary of the key planning news from the last couple of weeks.
1️⃣ Changes to Permitted Development Rights
Class G of the GDPO was amended on 29th May 2025 to relax the rules around Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), making them easier to install in a drive to help the Government’s targets for low-carbon heating. This applies to any units installed on or after this date.
Changes include:
– You can now install an ASHP within 1m of the property boundary;
– The permitted size of an ASHP for a dwellinghouse has increased from 0.6m3 to 1.5m3 (flats are still limited to 0.6m3);
– Up to 2 ASHPs are now permitted on, or within the curtilage of a detached house.
Perhaps most importantly is that heat pumps which also provide air conditioning will now benefit from the same permitted development rights. Units on commercial units will still require planning permission.
2️⃣ Changes to Written Representation Appeals
MHCLG announced that it will streamline the written representation appeal process broadening the use of the ‘Part 1’ written representations appeal process. This route will now also cover appeals against refusals of planning permission or reserved matters, the imposition of conditions and appeals against the refusal of Prior Approval. This means that PINS will only accept the evidence put before the local authority during application. This will speed up appeal decisions, and encourage applicants to provide LPAs with a full body of evidence at application stage. Appellants will be asked to only submit a brief statement responding to the LPA’s decision and why they disagree.
No further comments will be accepted from interested parties; and if required, comments made at application stage must be withdrawn by the interested party.
Changes are expected to be adopted at the end of 2025.
3️⃣ A New National Housing Bank
In a press release, MHCLG announced that up to 500,000 homes and a large number of jobs will be delivered through a newly instated publicly owned ‘housing bank’ that will unlock billions in private sector investment and accelerate the delivery of much needed (affordable) housing across the country.
The National Housing Bank, a subsidiary of Homes England, will be backed with £16bn of financial capacity, on top of £6bn of existing finance waiting to be allocated, and enable housebuilding ad leverage in £53bn of additional private investment.
4️⃣ Dr Victoria Hills to become new CIOB CEO
Dr Victoria Hills, currently Chief Executive Officer for the RTPI, will be taking over from Caroline Gumble as the Chartered Institute of Building’s new CEO later this year. She has turned the RTPI into a more outward-facing and dynamic body, and invested heavily in digital solutions.
Looking at her new role, she said she will set “a clear focus on delivery of growth whilst achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the next frontier without doubt […] is construction.”
If you would like any further details, please get in touch 🍁