Thanks to our American forefathers good planning, we can keep our air conditioning. London is doomed. By the way, how do you keep your windows and doors open and prevent knife wielding savages from entering your flat at night?
Councils order homeowners to remove air con as temperatures hit 40C
Jun 25 2026 / London Loves Business
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.
https://londonlovesbusiness.com/councils-order-homeowners-to-remove-air-con-as-temperatures-hit-40c/