Councils have reportedly ordered some homeowners to remove their air conditioning units due to climate concerns, even as the UK experiences record-breaking temperatures. Planning officers argue that air con units emit excessive carbon dioxide and should only be used as a last resort when other cooling methods, such as opening windows, prove ineffective.
Record Heat Exposes Cooling Conflicts
The enforcement actions come after a record June temperature of 36.7°C was recorded on Thursday afternoon in Merryfield, Somerset. The Telegraph reported a case in North London where a resident was forced to remove two air-con units from the back of their home. In an appeal, the resident was instructed to cool their first-floor flat by opening windows and balcony doors “by natural means”.
It is estimated that less than 5% of UK homes have air conditioning, making them relatively uncommon compared to many other countries.
Exceptions and Appeals
In most cases, planning permission is not required to install air conditioning in a home, unless the property is a flat or a listed building. However, some residents have faced orders to remove units. One individual was told to remove three units but later won an appeal because the property included other eco-friendly upgrades, such as solar panels.
Council Policies on Cooling
A Camden council spokesman told the newspaper that its planning policies prioritise “simpler, low-energy ways of keeping homes cool”. The spokesman added: “Residents seeking planning permission need to demonstrate that alternative, more climate-friendly measures are not suitable, and that units will not create noise or other harmful impacts on neighbours. Enforcement action in these cases is rare and used only as a last resort where this guidance has not been followed.”
The Telegraph reports that other London councils are adopting similar rules. A spokesperson from the Mayor of London said: “Local planning decisions are the responsibility of the boroughs, who have their own policies in place. The current London Plan does not rule out air conditioning – its policy is only applicable to major developments and requires new developments to address overheating risk from the outset – through measures such as shading, ventilation and other cooling design features. These features help keep homes cooler without relying on energy-intensive solutions, helping Londoners stay comfortable while keeping energy bills down.”
Government Response
A Government spokesperson stated: “Air conditioning units are not banned. They can be installed in both existing and new homes and we expect councils to take a common-sense approach to the rules around this, which are there to manage the interests of communities and the environment.”
