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Does External Wall Insulation Require Planning Permission

28 June 2024

External wall insulation is a popular form of insulation ideal for those with solid external walls. It's an effective method of insulation, but it does involve making potentially dramatic changes to the external walls of a property. So do you need planning permission to install external wall insulation?

External Wall Insulation

What Is Planning Permission For?

Generally speaking, planning permission is required when you build something new. It is also required if you decide to change the use of your building (i.e. if you wish to change domestic properties into offices, a storefront, or anything else). In some cases, you might also need planning permission in order to make a major change to your building. This can include changing the facade or the style of the front of your property.

Only once you have applied for and received planning permission is your exterior work considered permitted development.

Check out: What Is External Wall Insulation

Planning Permission For

Do You Need Planning Permission To Install External Wall Insulation?

Usually, external wall insulation doesn't need planning permission. This means in most cases you can go ahead and install external wall insulation without letting anyone know. There are, however, a few cases wherein you may require planning permission to install external wall insulation.

You might require planning permission if:

You Live In A Conservation Area Or An Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty

There are lots of places within the UK that are expected to remain the same in order to maintain a desired aesthetic or look. Sometimes this is for historical reasons, other times it's because there is a delicate ecosystem or something else nearby. If you live in one of these areas, you will need to apply for planning permission before you begin any external wall insulation installation.

You Live In A Listed Building

Across the UK there are hundreds of buildings that are of historical importance or that have architecture that must be preserved. These are called listed buildings and they are usually not permitted to change in any way unless completely necessary. If you live in a listed building, you will need to apply for planning permission to apply external wall insulation.

Need Planning Permission To Install External Wall Insulation

The External Wall Insulation Will Cross A Boundary Line

Properties have boundary lines that dictate and separate one property from another. Often, when installing external wall insulation, the new threshold of your home may be closer to this property line. If it is over in any way, you will need to ask for planning permission.

The External Wall Insulation Will Cross A Boundary Line 1

The External Wall Insulation Does Not Meet Building Regulations

There are regulations in place that dictate that properties must be a set distance away from one another. This is to prevent the spread of fires. In some cases, getting external wall insulation installed may go against this rule, in which case you would need planning permission.

The External Wall Insulation Does Not Meet Building Regulations

The Materials Used Are Too Different

There is a condition in the General Permitted Development Order that states: 'the materials used in any exterior work ... shall be of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the existing dwelling-house'. So if you intend to install external wall insulation and have completely different cladding installed both to your original cladding and to the rest of the homes on the street, you will likely need to apply for planning permission.

Even if none of the above apply to you, it is always worth checking with the local authorities. That way you can ensure that you will not be met with a hefty fine!

Will You Be Able To Get Planning Permission Approved If You Fit These Criteria?

Local authorities will generally decide on a case-by-case basis if your external wall insulation is necessary and suitable. However, it may help if you agree to match your property's existing cladding when you have the external wall insulation installed! The EWI system will be topped with render or timber cladding and this can be made to match your property in order to reduce the change in appearance (especially important in a listed building or area of outstanding natural beauty) and maintain a uniform look along the street.

One of the ways you can maintain the appearance of your home is through the use of a brick slip, an external layer of brickwork that matches the other properties/your property. Some councils will be more likely to consider your planning permission request should you intend to include a brick slip.

Discover: How Is External Wall Insulation Installed

What Can You Do If You Don't Get Planning Permission For External Wall Insulation?

Should you apply for planning permission and be rejected, you will need to start thinking about other ways to insulate your property. There are a few suggestions, for example, loft insulation. Here are some ways around the planning permission issue that will still allow you to insulate your home:

Internal Wall Insulation

Similar to external wall insulation, internal wall insulation is a great option for those who wish to insulate their solid wall property. The only difference between the two is where the insulation goes. With internal insulation, as the name suggests, the insulation boards are installed internally. The process involves fitting rigid insulation boards to the wall or building a stud wall filled with mineral wool or another insulation material. It is generally cheaper to install than external wall insulation, too.

Internal Wall Insulation

Hybrid Wall Insulation

Alternatively, you could see whether the local council is happy for you to use external wall insulation on the rear of the property. You could use internal insulation at the front of the property to maintain the appearance and prevent any changes to the street, and external wall insulation at the rear. This combination limits the loss of space which is often considered the downside of internal wall insulation while also ensuring that the entire home is completely and thoroughly insulated.

Explore: Does External Wall Insulation Add Value To Your Home

Hybrid Wall Insulation

What You'll Need To Apply For Planning Permission

In order to get the process started you will need to head to your local council's website or give them a ring. You will need an application form, a location plan, a section drawing, details of material finish, details of colour finish, existing and proposed width of any paths or alleyways, and details of how guttering and other rainwater goods will be dealt with. You will likely also have to pay a fee.

If you're not sure how planning permission works or whether you'd need it for external wall insulation, start your EWI journey with MisterRender today and give us a call! 

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