Gloucester City Councillor John Jones has received planning permission to install an air source heat pump at his home in Tuffley. The Labour councillor, representing the Kingsway ward, proposed fitting a Daikin Altherma 3 High Capacity Monobloc unit measuring 1380mm wide, 460mm deep, and 870mm tall at the front of his two-storey end-of-terrace property on 22 Bourton Road.
Due to Cllr Jones’s position on the city council, the application was reviewed directly by the planning committee on May 6 at North Warehouse to ensure transparency. Despite some concerns about noise levels—measured at 62 decibels A-weighted—planning officers recommended approval, noting that the unit’s sound footprint would not cause disturbance.
Community support bolstered the application, with a neighbouring resident praising the heat pump as an “eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative” that helps reduce carbon emissions and promotes sustainability. The neighbour confirmed the installation would not disrupt their household.
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Speaking in favour during the committee meeting, Cllr Jones emphasized the importance of adopting renewable energy sources. “Heat pumps offer a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and embrace greener technologies,” he stated. “It’s time every home, with modern upgrades like double glazing, considers installing heat pumps alongside other renewables. Get a heat pump. It ain’t a load of hot air.”
The councillors voted unanimously to approve the installation, reflecting Gloucester City Council’s commitment to supporting environmental initiatives and promoting sustainable home heating solutions.