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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
The conversion of a garage, or part of a garage, into habitable space, will normally require approval under the building regulations.
As part of the garage conversion, it is likely that the original garage door will be in-filled with a new wall and possibly a window or door, and a new foundation may be needed for the new wall.
As well as the foundation, you also need to consider:
- Floor
- Walls
- Ventilation
Read more about the building regulations for garage conversions.
Increasing the size of a window will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to make the change, provided limits and conditions are met.
Any new window must be of similar appearance to the original which you are replacing.
Permitted development rights do not apply to flats. To increase the size of a window in a flat or maisonette you will require planning permission.
If you live in a listed building, you will require listed building consent for any major changes.
Where the work has as significant impact on the external appearance of the house, especially on the principal elevation, planning permission may be required.
Building control approval will likely be required where the change impacts the structure of a building, this primarily occurs when an opening Is widened. When altering walls you may want to consult a structural engineer.
Building control will also consider energy efficiency, glazing, ventilation and fire safety.
Once you submit your application it will be considered by the local planning authority. The Planning Portal does not have access to the application once it is submitted.
You will need to contact your local planning authority to check on the progress of any submitted application. Many authorities now let you track the progress of applications on their own council websites.
Your local authority’s contact details and website address can be found by using our local authority search.
Planning permission is not required if the home will be used as a short-term let for 90 days or less throughout the year.
If you plan on using the home as a short-term let for more than this time period, then you will need to apply for planning permission for a change of use.
If you rent a room in your property while you still live there, you will not require planning permission.
A ‘P certificate’ may refer to confirmation that electrical installations within a building are compliant with Approved Document P of the building regulations.
An electrician who is Part P certified is able to self-certify domestic work they complete, meaning you do not have to submit a building notice. To ensure your electrician is Part P certified, use a registered competent person.
