Air source heat pumps at Eaton Primary School, Rushton, Tarporley

What was proposed

The application proposed two air source heat pumps, a substation and a 2.5-metre acoustic enclosure at the school.

“The application site is within the grounds of Eaton Primary School on Lower Lane, Rushton, Tarporley. It comprises two small hard-surfaced areas to the side of the school buildings, adjacent to the eastern boundary of the site, which is shared with the garden of a neighbouring house. There is an existing oil tank and storage shed which are proposed to be demolished to accommodate the proposed development. The application site lies within the Eaton Conservation Area.”

“The planning application is for the siting of two air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and a substation. It also includes the 2.5m-tall enclosure which is proposed to house the two ASHPs, which would be constructed with acoustic panels to three aspects and louvred fencing to the elevation facing the school itself. Since the receipt of the planning application, a lawful development certificate has been issued by the LPA to confirm that the substation is ‘Permitted Development’.”

Officer report

Planning history

A separate substation enclosure application was confirmed lawful, and the substation was treated as permitted development.

“25/02620/LDC - Installation of a Glass Reinforced Plastic Substation Enclosure (Confirmed Lawfulness 01.09.2025).”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in highway, visual and residential amenity terms, with energy benefits and conditions.

“The proposed installation of air source heat pumps at the school is expected to provide environmental benefits, primarily through improved energy efficiency and a likely reduction in carbon emissions compared to the existing heating system. This is in line with the aim of the NPPF to achieve sustainable development (paras 7 to 14). The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of highway safety and visual and residential amenity.”

“Subject to the conditions set out below and taking into account the provisions of the development plan and all other material planning considerations, it is recommended that planning permission be granted.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The parish council, ward member and one public objector raised concerns including noise, appearance, parking, construction traffic and alternative solutions.

“Ward Councillor: Commented to state a concern with a lack of information with the proposal. Following the further information being received, there are still concerns about noise and visual amenity.”

“One public objection was received in respect of this application. This was on the basis of noise generated, the proposal not aligning with permitted development regulations, the loss of 2 parking spaces, parking during the construction phase, and alternatives being more suitable. Concerns relating to the number of heat pumps and specification of acoustic barrier being unknown were also mentioned, however, this information has since been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative spoke, an objection was read out, and the ward member spoke on the application.

Members’ questions

Members questioned parking losses, operating hours, noise modelling, conservation area design, screening, energy use and alternative locations.

“Could officers clarify over points not matching report how many parking spaces would be lost • Referencing the operating hours being 7-11, members felt this would not be feasible during winter months and would require more operation during the winter periods • Was the predicted sound level calculated with open or closed windows • Had the application design, reflected that this was located within a conservation area • Could officers confirm, what the final design of the…”

“Officers responded as follows • Only two parking spaces being lost by the substation, this aspect did not require planning permission individually • The predicted noise levels were set out in the report. • The elevations of the enclosure are within the officers reports, it is already within a developed area at the side of the school, it is also where the air source heat pump would be.”

Minutes