Some London homeowners have been ordered to remove air-conditioning units under local planning policies designed to support climate targets, Eastern Eye reported.

The issue has drawn attention as Britain faces hotter summers and more residents seek ways to cool their homes. Planning permission is not normally required for air conditioning in most houses, but exceptions can apply to flats, leasehold properties, conservation areas and shared buildings.

In parts of London, residents have faced enforcement action after installing units without meeting local planning requirements. One north London case involved a homeowner ordered to remove two units from the rear of a first-floor flat after inspectors said there was “no justification” for active cooling.

Inspectors said the property had not complied with the local “cooling hierarchy,” which prioritizes passive measures such as ventilation, shading and insulation before mechanical cooling.

Another resident was initially ordered to remove three air-conditioning units, though the decision was later overturned after the homeowner showed the property already had energy-efficient features, including solar panels.

The approach reflects policies in the London Plan, which encourages buildings to reduce overheating and avoid unnecessary reliance on air conditioning.

Several London boroughs have adopted similar rules. Camden’s planning guidance says active cooling is discouraged and should only be permitted where thermal modeling shows a clear need after preferred passive measures have been considered.

Councils argue the rules reduce energy demand and urban heat. The Conservative Party has criticized the approach, arguing that it makes modern cooling systems harder to install as summers become hotter.