Britons sweltering through a week of near-record temperatures have been told to remove air conditioning units from their homes as councils ramp up enforcement of Net Zero-inspired planning rules.
The extraordinary crackdown has sparked fury after residents were ordered to dismantle cooling systems despite temperatures threatening to reach 40C in parts of the country.
Planning officials have argued that air conditioning should only be used as a “last resort”, insisting homeowners must first rely on measures such as opening windows, drawing curtains and using fans.
The row comes as millions struggle through another intense heatwave, with forecasters warning that some areas could challenge temperature records set during Britain’s historic summer of 2022.
In one case, a London homeowner was ordered to “permanently remove” two air conditioning units after planners ruled there was “no justification” for them.
Officials argued the resident should instead ventilate the property naturally by opening windows and balcony doors.
When concerns were raised about security risks, planners reportedly suggested the dangers were no greater than those faced by people living on upper floors and said windows could simply be closed overnight.
The homeowner eventually overturned the decision on appeal, but only after proving the property already incorporated a range of environmentally friendly features, including solar panels.
Critics say the case highlights the growing influence of Net Zero policies on everyday life.
While national guidance generally allows air conditioning without planning permission, stricter rules in some areas – particularly across London – have led to enforcement action against homeowners who believed they were complying with regulations.
Several borough councils have adopted policies designed to discourage the installation of energy-intensive cooling systems.
Campaigners argue such measures are increasingly out of touch with a country facing hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves.
Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused officials of putting ideology ahead of common sense.
She said it was “totally bonkers” to prevent people from installing air conditioning because it uses energy, adding that Britain risked being left “stuck in the dark ages” while cooling systems remain commonplace across much of Europe, North America and Asia.
The debate comes as air conditioning remains rare in Britain, with estimates suggesting only around three per cent of homes have installed units compared with roughly 90 per cent in the United States.
Despite growing concerns over extreme heat, Labour has defended existing regulations, insisting air conditioning has not been banned and councils should apply rules using a “common-sense approach.
But for many households facing another week of soaring temperatures, the message appears clear: open a window, switch on a fan – and think twice before installing air conditioning.
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