The Conservatives have announced plans to repeal what they describe as a "de facto ban" on air conditioning in new homes in London and other cities, a regulation they themselves introduced while in government. The party stated that a future Tory government would overturn the rule that effectively prohibits air conditioning in new builds.
Background of the Regulation
Known as "Approved Document O," the regulation stipulates that air conditioning should only be installed in new properties when passive cooling methods—such as windows or mechanical fans—are insufficient to prevent overheating. The Conservatives attribute the policy to Robert Jenrick, who devised it while serving as housing secretary under Boris Johnson in 2021. However, by the time the regulation was published in December of that year, Michael Gove had taken over the department, and current Tory leader Kemi Badenoch was a minister within it.
A Reform UK source countered, stating: "This policy was signed off and announced by Michael Gove, when Kemi was number two in the housing department." The Conservatives also pledged to override local plans in cities including London, Birmingham, and Bristol that restrict air conditioning in new developments.
Mayor's Role and Criticism
The party further criticized Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan's London Plan, published in 2021, which prioritizes passive ventilation over air conditioning systems. The plan describes air conditioning as "not desirable" due to high energy consumption and its contribution to the urban heat island effect by expelling hot air.
Shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly remarked: "Robert Jenrick devised an effective ban on air conditioning into national building regulations, and in London Sadiq Khan has doubled down, failing to build enough homes while insisting the ones that are built should ignore the reality of hotter summers. The Conservatives will scrap these anti-air conditioning rules, override Khan's outdated local restrictions, and make sure the homes built today are fit for the summers of the future."
Net Zero Considerations
The move by Mr. Jenrick was reportedly made on "net zero grounds." Under Kemi Badenoch's leadership, the Conservatives have shifted their stance on net zero in opposition, abandoning the commitment to achieving the goal by 2050—a target originally set under then-Prime Minister Theresa May. Despite this, the UK remains legally bound to the net zero goal.
The Conservative Environment Network supported the proposal, emphasizing the need to remove red tape to prepare homes for higher temperatures. Network director Sam Hall said: "As summers get hotter in the decades ahead, 92% of homes are set to overheat. The Government must get out of the way of households and businesses wanting to stay cool. The Conservatives are right to call for ending the de facto ban on air conditioning in new homes. Removing this red tape will ensure the homes of the future are prepared for warmer temperatures, help balance the electricity grid in summer, and provide a clean heating solution in winter."
