Some homeowners have been instructed by councils to remove their air conditioning units due to concerns about their impact on the environment. Planning officers are urging homeowners to use air conditioning only as a last resort, such as when other cooling methods like opening windows are ineffective.
This decision follows a new record high temperature of 36.7 degrees Celsius recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, in June. Reports indicate that in North London, a resident was compelled to take down two air conditioning units from their property.
In a specific case, a resident was advised to rely on natural cooling methods by opening windows and balcony doors instead of using artificial cooling. While most homes in the UK do not require planning permission for air conditioning installation, exceptions exist for flats and listed buildings. It is estimated that less than 5% of UK households have air conditioning systems.
In another incident, a resident was initially told to remove three air conditioning units but later won an appeal due to eco-friendly upgrades like solar panels on the property. The focus of Camden council’s planning policies is on energy-efficient methods of cooling homes.
The council emphasized the importance of demonstrating the unsuitability of alternative climate-friendly measures before seeking planning permission for air conditioning units. They mentioned that enforcement actions are rare and are considered a last resort when residents fail to adhere to guidelines.
Reports from The Telegraph suggest that other London councils are adopting similar regulations regarding air conditioning installations. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London clarified that local planning decisions are in the hands of boroughs, each with its own policies in place.
The Government confirmed that air conditioning units are not banned and can be installed in both existing and new homes. They expect councils to apply rules sensibly to balance community interests and environmental concerns while ensuring comfort and energy efficiency for residents.
