Do you need planning permission for air conditioning in Bexleyheath?

The short answer

No, most homes in Bexleyheath don't need planning permission for air conditioning. The outdoor condenser unit falls under Permitted Development if it meets four conditions covering size, position, distance and property type.

Exceptions apply to flats, listed buildings and conservation areas. Bexleyheath has several conservation zones, so it's worth checking before you book.

What are the permitted development rules?

Indoor units never need planning permission. It's the outdoor condenser that has conditions attached.

The outdoor unit qualifies as Permitted Development if it's under 0.6 cubic metres in volume, sits at least 1 metre from the property boundary, isn't fitted on a wall or roof facing a highway above ground floor level, and the property isn't listed or in a conservation area.

Recent changes have relaxed this for houses: a house can have an outdoor unit up to 1.5 cubic metres as permitted development, though flats still fall under the older 0.6 cubic metre limit.

In short: if your unit is modest in size, positioned sensibly, and your home isn't listed or in a conservation area, you're almost certainly covered.

What legislation covers this?

The legislation governing domestic air conditioning is the General Permitted Development Order 2015, Schedule 2, Part 14, Class G.

Class G is your permission — you don't need to request it separately, provided the conditions within it are met. These conditions cover size, siting and property type.

What about Bexleyheath's conservation areas?

Conservation area status removes your automatic Permitted Development rights for air conditioning.

Pitched-roof installations are never permitted development, and flat-roof installations must keep all parts at least one metre from the roof edge.

Bexleyheath includes conservation areas such as parts of the town centre and surrounding residential streets. Check with the London Borough of Bexley planning department to confirm your address before booking an installer.

What about flats and leasehold properties?

Flats face stricter rules than houses. Whether a property qualifies as permitted development depends on unit size, position, conservation area status, and whether it's listed or leasehold.

Flats, listed buildings and conservation areas usually need planning permission. Leaseholders in Bexleyheath flats and maisonettes should also check their lease for freeholder consent requirements, separate from council planning rules.

What are the noise rules for outdoor units?

Noise limits have tightened recently. From May 2026 the limit drops to 37 dB LAeq, a significant reduction from the previous 42 dB threshold.

For context, 42 dB is roughly the level of a quiet library, while 37 dB is closer to a whisper. Modern inverter units are generally quiet enough to comply, but it's worth confirming with your installer.

What happens if you install without permission?

Enforcement notices do happen. A homeowner can install a cooling-only unit believing they're covered under permitted development, only for the council to issue an enforcement notice months later.

That usually means removing or relocating the unit at your own cost. It's far cheaper to check first than fix it after.

How can you get formal confirmation?

If you want certainty, apply for written proof. A Lawful Development Certificate gives you legal proof your installation is Permitted Development, is cheaper than a full planning application, and protects you if you sell the property later.

A quick call to your local planning department costs nothing and can save you an enforcement notice down the line.

Does this apply to commercial properties?

No, commercial rules differ. Commercial properties follow a different route through the planning system compared with domestic installations, and often face stricter requirements.

If you're installing air conditioning for a shop, office or other business premises in Bexleyheath, speak to your installer early — we can advise on both domestic and commercial requirements.

Step by step: how to check if you need permission

Five checks will tell you where you stand before any work is booked.

• Check your property status — search your address on the Bexley council website for conservation area or listed status
• Measure your planned unit — confirm it falls under 1.5 cubic metres for a house, or 0.6 for a flat
• Check the position — ensure it's at least 1 metre from your boundary and not facing a highway
• Call the council — a quick call confirms anything the online search misses
• Ask your installer for an LDC — if you want documented proof for peace of mind