Planning permission
You do not need planning permission to install an un-vented hot water system unless the property is a listed building or place (LBP) or a potential listed building or place (pLBP)
Building permission
You will not need to make a building application to install an un-vented hot water system:
- provided that the work is undertaken by a person who is registered under an approved scheme to undertake such work
- this department must be notified at completion of the work by the approved scheme provider
You should also receive a certificate of bye-law compliance from the scheme provider.
Approved schemes for certifiable building work
What if I want to use a non-registered installer to undertake the work?
If you choose not to use a person registered under an approved scheme, you will need to make a building application which shows compliance with the relevant bye-laws in the technical guidance document Part 6.
B7 unvented hot water system application form
What is an unvented hot water storage system?
An un-vented hot water system (as opposed to an open/vented system) feeds direct from the mains water supply. Un-vented hot water systems benefit the end user in the following ways:
- increases flow rates of hot water to all outlets in the property
- holds mains pressure
- eliminates pipework from loft spaces
- removes risk of freezing pipes in the loft
- reduces need for maintenance work
- reduces risk of system leakage
Un-vented systems must be supplied as a certified packaged unit, comprising all the necessary controls and safety devices as set out in the technical guidance document 6.