Local Councils might take a little while to adapt sometimes, but the rules they set for things like swimming pools, trees, and solar panels are designed to make sure everyone can safely enjoy their own properly. For air source heat pumps, this means also protecting your neighbours.
Heat pumps these days are about as quiet as most boilers. They get a bad wrap though because they are easy to see, and haven’t always been this quiet. They are also outside, and therefore easier to overhear.
The 3 meter rule states ASHPs must be 3 meters from your neighbour’s fence. This has proven somewhat inconvenient in a lot of cases, and nonsensical in others, so in England the rule has changed to 1 meter. In Wales though, 3 meters remains (for now). It is our understanding that you can seek building approval in Wales from your Local Authority if you believe this is not suitable for your premises. It’s always worth asking your surveyor or installers as well – they will be fully up to date with any changes and can advise accordingly.