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Do I need planning permission or building control approval for damp proofing of external walls?
Planning permission is unlikely to be required for the installation of external damp proofing unless the work will change the external appearance of the building or is part of a larger project.
If you live in a listed building you will need listed building consent for any significant changes, this can include external damp proofing. Additional rules may also apply if you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area.
Building regulations approval is not required for installing an external damp proof course (DPC).
Common Questions
If you carry out development without the necessary planning permission, and it doesn’t fall within permitted development rights, you may be in breach of the planning rules. In such cases, you will usually need to submit a retrospective planning application to seek approval for the work already completed or started. However, there is no guarantee that permission will be granted.
Learn more about planning breaches on Planning Portal
Planning permission is not required to move an internal doorway, provided it does not impact the external appearance of the building. If the building is listed, you will require listed building consent for any changes to the building.
Building regulations may apply if the wall is load bearing or is part of a fire escape route.
Read more about windows and doors from our common projects.
A soakaway does not normally require an application for planning permission provided it deals with surface water and does not discharge into a public sewer. Additional regulations may apply if you are in a conservation area or within the boundary of a listed building.
Building regulations will apply to the creation of a soakaway. The soakaway must comply with Part H of the building regulations which specifies where they can be located and the size that is permitted.
Read more about Approved Document H.
Removing a non-load bearing wall will likely not require building control approval provided it does not affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics.
It is best practice to get a report from a structural engineer to ensure the wall is non-load bearing prior to starting any work.
Demolishing a building may require planning permission or prior approval, depending on factors such as the building’s type, size, and location.
Before starting any demolition work, it’s important to consult your local planning authority to confirm what permissions are needed. This helps avoid the risk of enforcement action or legal consequences.
You will also need to ensure you conform to the building regulations around the demolishing of a building.
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