The short answer
For most restaurants, cafes, takeaways and shops, an external air conditioning unit needs planning permission. Unlike homes, commercial premises have no general permitted development right for air conditioning, so a condenser on a wall, roof or rear yard usually needs approval from the council.
Getting this wrong is common and costly. Councils regularly take enforcement action against unauthorised units, especially after noise complaints from neighbours. This guide explains when you need permission, what the application involves and the other consents you may need.
Why homes and businesses are treated differently
Planning permission is needed for "development", which includes building works that materially affect the external appearance of a building. An air conditioning condenser fixed to the outside of a building usually falls into this category.
Homeowners can install some air source heat pumps without permission under permitted development rules. Those rules changed in May 2025 and now allow larger units on houses. But they only apply to houses and flats, and a unit used only for cooling does not qualify.
There is no equivalent permitted development right for air conditioning or air source heat pumps on shops, restaurants and other commercial buildings. That is why most commercial installations need a full planning application.
When you will definitely need permission
- Units on the front of the building or anywhere visible from the street.
- Listed buildings. You will also need listed building consent, even for small units or internal pipework. Works without consent are a criminal offence.
- Conservation areas. Councils look closely at how units affect the character of the area and usually expect them out of sight.
- Units near homes. Flats above or houses behind the premises mean noise will be the council's main concern.
- Large or multiple condensers, or units on a new frame or platform on the roof.
If you are not sure whether your installation counts as development, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. It gives you a formal answer from the council.
What the application needs
A typical planning application for an air conditioning unit includes:
- Application form and fee, submitted through the Planning Portal or the council's own system.
- Location plan and site plan showing the premises and where the unit will go.
- Existing and proposed elevations showing the unit, its size and any screening.
- Manufacturer's specification, including the unit's sound power level.
- Noise impact assessment. Most councils ask for a report by an acoustic consultant, usually to British Standard BS 4142. It shows the unit will not disturb nearby homes, especially at night.
- Heritage statement, if the building is listed or in a conservation area.
Councils aim to decide minor applications like this within 8 weeks. Approval usually comes with conditions, such as maximum noise levels, hours of operation or anti-vibration mounts.
If you rent your premises
Most commercial leases do not let tenants alter the outside of the building without the landlord's written consent. This is usually given as a licence to alter.
The landlord's solicitors will typically ask for drawings, specifications and the planning permission before they agree. Allow time for this: a licence to alter can take several weeks, and the tenant usually pays the landlord's legal costs. Start the planning application and the landlord's consent at the same time to avoid delays.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Installing first and applying later. A retrospective application is possible, but the council can refuse it and order the unit removed.
- Skipping the noise report. It is the most common reason applications are delayed or refused.
- Putting the unit on the front of the building when a rear or roof position would be accepted.
- Forgetting listed building consent or the landlord's licence to alter.
- Ignoring planning conditions after approval, such as noise limits or hours. Breaches can lead to enforcement and can also cause problems for your premises licence.
Frequently asked questions
Do commercial properties need planning permission for air conditioning?
Usually yes, if any part of the unit is fixed to the outside of the building. There is no permitted development right for air conditioning on shops, restaurants and other commercial premises.
What are the requirements for installing air conditioning in the UK?
For a commercial building you will usually need planning permission, listed building consent if the building is listed, and your landlord's consent if you rent. The unit should also be installed by an F-gas certified engineer.
Can I install my own air conditioner in the UK?
Not a split or fixed system. Units containing refrigerant gas must be installed by an F-gas certified engineer. Portable plug-in units do not need an installer.
How far away can an AC unit be from a house?
There is no fixed minimum distance for commercial premises. The council looks at noise at the nearest homes, which is why most applications need a noise impact assessment.
What about a unit inside the building?
A purely internal unit with no external condenser or visible ducting normally does not need planning permission. Listed buildings may still need listed building consent.
How long does it take?
Councils aim to decide within 8 weeks. Allow extra time for the noise report and, if you rent, the landlord's consent.
What happens if I install without permission?
The council can serve an enforcement notice requiring you to remove the unit. Noise complaints from neighbours are the most common trigger.
Does the 4 year rule apply to commercial property?
Not for new works. Since 25 April 2024, councils in England have 10 years to take enforcement action against unauthorised works, including air conditioning units.
Need help with planning permission for air conditioning?
Anka Group prepares planning applications for air conditioning and extraction units for restaurants, cafes and shops across England and Wales. We arrange the drawings and noise assessment, deal with the council and help with the landlord's licence to alter. We work in English and Turkish.
Contact us for a free initial chat.
Sources: General Permitted Development Order 2015, Schedule 2, Part 14; SI 2025/560.