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.

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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.

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Research indicates that more than half of the population would like to build their own home at some point in their lives. While it is a significant commitment that demands time and dedication, the reward is a home designed specifically to suit your needs and lifestyle.

As part of the self-build journey you will have to consider many factors including:

• Finance

• Location and acquiring land

• Modular homes

• Planning permission.

Read detailed guidance about self-build homes on Planning Portal

Bricking up or infilling an existing window is classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to complete the works. You will need to ensure that any materials used are of a similar appearance to the existing exterior of the house.

If you live in a listed building, then you will require planning permission and listed building consent for the change. In this instance it is best practice to talk to your local planning authority first.

Creating a new basement will usually require planning permission, particularly if it affects the external appearance of the property. For example, installing a lightwell to bring natural light into the basement may be subject to stricter design rules if it is visible from the street, especially at the front of the property, compared to those at the rear or side.

Because basement construction involves significant excavation and structural work, permission is often necessary. It’s recommended that you consult your local planning authority early on to understand what is likely to be considered acceptable before submitting a planning application. Building regulations will also apply to a new or conversion of a basement.

Read further guidance on basements.

You will often not require planning permission to fit a log burner. If you are adding a new external flue or chimney then different rules will apply.

If you live in a listed building you will require listed building consent.

The installation of a log burner must comply with building regulations. It is recommended that you use a HETAS-registered installer who can certify the work. Visit the HETAS website to search for an installer.

Read more information around fitting an external flue or chimney in our common projects section.

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