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Do I need planning permission to render the outside of my house?

Rendering or cladding the exterior walls of your house may fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided you meet certain limits and requirements set out in legislation.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works whether internal or external.

If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Broads, you will need to apply for planning permission before cladding the outside of your house with stone, artificial stone, pebble dash, render, timber, plastic or tiles.

Outside these areas, cladding may be carried out without having to first apply for planning permission provided the materials are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house.

If the new materials will not have a similar appearance to those previously used you will be required to submit an application for planning permission.

Read more about change to external walls on our common project.

Replacing existing render

Replacing existing render on the outside of your house with render of a similar appearance will not require planning permission as it is considered permitted development.

If you are changing the external appearance of the house or in a protected area such as a conservation area, then planning permission will be required. The external appearance of the house is likely to be changed when you are changing the type or colour of the render.

If the building is listed, then you will need listed building consent.

Common Questions

What are the permitted development rights for new porches?

In many cases, you can build a porch without planning permission under permitted development rights, provided certain criteria are met. To qualify as permitted development, your proposed porch must:

  • Not exceed three square metres in external ground area
  • Be no taller than three metres in height
  • Be located at least two metres away from any boundary with a highway

 

Read more about porches on Planning Portal

Is my house in a conservation area?

The UK Government provide access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can use the online tool to check whether your land is in a conservation area.

VisitGOV.UK and use the planning data map.

(This map covers planning data for England).

If you are unsure you should contact your local planning authority.

What is a ‘P certificate’ and how do I get one?

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.

Do I need any permissions to add an en-suite bathroom?

Planning permission will not be require to add an en-suite provided it is within the existing building and not part of a wider project such as an extension.

 Building regulations will have to be considered when adding an en-suite as it impacts drainage, ventilation and electrics. It is recommended that you have the work completed by a member of the competent person scheme.

Find a competent person

Is there a maximum height for a new dormer?

Yes, under permitted development, a new dormer must not be higher than the existing highest part of the roof. It should also have materials that are in similar appearance to the existing roof. Additional limits apply in conservation areas and on listed buildings. Read about planning permission for loft conversions on Planning Portal

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