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Do I need planning permission for external insulation?
Planning permission may be required for external insulation if it impacts the external appearance of the building. If materials are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house, then permission will likely not be required.
Listed buildings will require listed building consent for any significant work.
If you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area you will need to apply for planning permission before making changes to the outside of your house.
Further information and building regulations advice is available on Planning Portal. Read our external walls common project.
Common Questions
There are different planning fees for England and Wales, and many different application types depending on the work being carried out.
You can use the Planning Portal's fee calculator to work out fees for different kinds of proposal.
Use the fee calculator (England)
Use the fee calculator (Wales)
While every effort has been taken to ensure that the fee has been calculated correctly, the determination of whether a planning fee is correct is the responsibility of the relevant local planning authority, who will check the fee is correct when the application is submitted and validated.
Yes, but this type of conversion will require full planning permission. This is because you’d be changing the use of the ground floor from residential to commercial (typically to a use class such as E), while the upper floor would remain as a residential flat (Class C3). The change of use triggers the need for planning approval.
Find out more about change of use
Adding air conditioning to your home is considered permitted development provided all the limits and conditions set out in legislation are met. The limits set out the size, placement and quantity of air conditioning units allowed.
If your home is in a protected area such as a Conservation Area then permission will be required. If you live in a listed building then consent will be required.
The installation of air conditioning must comply with building regulations. It is advisable to contact an installer who can provide the necessary advice, preferably one who belongs to either the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or the relevant Competent Person Scheme.
For more information on air conditioning, read our heat pumps common project.
The green belt is a specially designated area of countryside protected from most forms of development. It is protected to help stop urban sprawl, preserve the character of existing settlements and encourage development within existing built-up areas.
The government are working on improving access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can view their progress here and see whether your land is greenbelt (note: this tool is currently under development).
You should contact your local planning authority to find out if your land is in a green belt area, and any policies or restrictions that may apply as a result.
Adding a permanent wheelchair ramp for access to a home is likely to require planning permission as it will permanently change the external appearance of the front of the house. If the application is solely for improving disable access to the building then the planning application will be exempt from a planning fee.
If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
All permanent wheelchair ramps must comply with Approved Document M of the building regulations which specifies the gradient, width and surfaces which should be used.
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