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Current Scottish guidance permits one domestic air-source heat pump on a dwelling or within its curtilage, subject to limits on protrusion, road-facing positions, height, designated places and compliance with MCS 020. Listed-building curtilage and World Heritage Sites are excluded from these rights.

Conservation-area installations have specific restrictions, and private title or owner consent is separate from planning. Ask the local planning authority for written advice when status or interpretation is uncertain.

1 ASHP

Current class 6H permitted-development limit for the same building or curtilage

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1 metre

Maximum stated protrusion from the relevant external surface

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37.0 dB(A)

Current MCS 020 calculated sound limit at all assessment positions

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Check every permitted-development limitation

For a unit within the curtilage, development is not permitted forward of a principal or road-facing side elevation, and the resulting structure must not exceed three metres. A unit attached to the dwelling must not protrude more than one metre.

The rules also limit the property to one ASHP under this class. A second unit or a proposal outside the limits may need a planning application rather than being impossible.

Designated places need extra care

Within a conservation area, the current guidance requires an ASHP on the dwelling to be at ground-floor level and on the rear elevation. Permitted-development rights do not apply in a World Heritage Site or within the curtilage of a listed building.

Listed-building consent may also be relevant where historic fabric or character is affected. Confirm the building and curtilage status rather than assuming the postal address tells the whole story.

Complete the sound assessment

MCS 020 uses declared sound power, distance, reflections, barriers and assessment positions to calculate compliance. The current standard uses a 37.0dB(A) result limit at all assessment positions for this route.

Moving the unit, selecting a quieter model or using an appropriate barrier can change the result, but mitigation must not obstruct airflow, service access or manufacturer requirements.

Keep planning and private rights separate

A permitted-development installation can still require a landlord, factor, co-owner or titleholder’s consent. Building standards, electrical rules and network notification also remain separate processes.

Record the address search, proposed position, sound calculation and any planning correspondence in the project file. If relying on verbal advice for a marginal case, ask how to obtain formal confirmation.

What to read next

Related answers and services

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Questions people also ask

Does every heat pump avoid planning permission?+

No. It must meet every permitted-development limit and condition; otherwise a planning application may be required.

What if my home is listed?+

The current domestic ASHP permitted-development right does not apply within the curtilage of a listed building; seek planning and heritage advice.

Is the old one-metre boundary rule still the Scottish test?+

Use the current Scottish Government circular and current MCS 020 standard, not an old article or rule from another UK nation.

Evidence used for this answer

Figures are explained in context and links go to the independent source. Prices, tariffs, scheme rules and standards can change, so check the source again before making a financial or technical decision.