Do I Need Planning Permission to Renovate the Exterior of My House?

SFP Contracts

Three factors will determine if you would need planning permission to render your house or to have external wall insulation installed. These are the area your house is based in, the origin of the building and additional changes you might want to make, for example, changing the materials used in the construction of the house.

Do you need planning permission for External Wall Insulation?


The process of having your house externally insulated can already be a long process. Having to make the decision of which installers to choose, come up with a budget and decide on the overall appearance.


An additional step to all this in some cases can be applying for planning permission, which can only make the process even longer. Since External Wall Insulation doesn’t fall in the category of extensions/enlargement, you would only need planning permission if your home is located in a conservation area or is a listed building.


In the cases that your house is a listed building or in a conservation area, if you decide to undertake a solid wall insulation project, it is considered a criminal offence.


We highly recommend if you’re not 100% sure if your house falls in these two categories, you contact your local council to confirm. There is a very small percentage of people that would need planning permission but again it’s best to consult with your installers or local council if unsure.

In addition, you would also be required planning permission if you plan to use materials that don’t match the construction of your home or if you’ve previously had your permitted development rights revoked.


Rendering 


Rendering the exterior of houses is becoming more and more popular as it can significantly improve the appearance and maintenance of a home.

Similar to external wall insulation, in most cases rendering your house wouldn’t require planning permission. It will once again be applicable for houses that are listed or in conservation areas.


Maintaining and replacing render is considered permitted development. This means that as long as you stick to choosing a render that is similar to the existing or originally used one, you don’t need planning permission.


However, there are several rendering projects that can fall in a grey area, where for complete peace of mind you should seek advice from your council.

These can include:


  • Applying render on top of existing render, which is a different colour
  • Installing render over pebbledash
  • Or removing pebbledash to then apply render
  • Applying render over brickwork, which wasn’t rendered, to begin with


Whether or not, you need planning permission, you would need reputable and highly-experienced installers. SFP Contracts can not only provide you with the best results but also advise you on any worries you might have.


Our team and expert installers are here to help you. Contact us via email at contact@sfp-contracts.co.uk or call 0345 303 6772.

Home EPC Rating

Energy Efficiency Home Improvements: Where to Start & How to Save on Your Energy Bills

1 November 2023
Enhancing your home's energy efficiency is both an eco-conscious decision and a financially savvy one. This all-inclusive guide serves as your reliable roadmap toward achieving an energy-efficient home.
Loft Insulation House

Maximising Home Comfort: How Does Loft Insulation Work

26 September 2023
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the details of how loft insulation works to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient throughout the year.

How to Choose the Right External Render for Your House

by Jub Systems • 2 August 2023
Selecting the ideal external render for your house is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your property's appearance, durability and energy efficiency. With a wide range of options available, it's essential to make an informed choice that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, budget and long-term maintenance requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the key factors to consider when selecting the right external render for your house, helping you create a stunning and long-lasting facade that enhances the overall value and comfort of your home. Assessing Your Property's Needs Before exploring render options, start by evaluating your property's unique requirements. Consider the local climate, weather exposure and the condition of your walls. Properties in regions with frequent rain or extreme temperature fluctuations may need a render with enhanced water resistance and thermal protection. Identifying areas that need extra protection or insulation will help you choose a render that offers optimal performance and longevity. Evaluating Longevity and Durability Investing in a durable render ensures that your property remains protected and visually appealing for years to come. Research the expected lifespan of different render types and consider factors such as resistance to weather conditions, cracking, fading and maintenance requirements. While some renders may require periodic repainting or touch-ups, others offer longer-lasting protection and reduced maintenance needs.

The Ultimate Guide to the Great British Insulation Scheme: Measures, Eligibility and How to Apply

by Jub Systems • 4 July 2023
Discover the ultimate guide to the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) – an extensive government initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in homes across the UK.

ECO Flex: Providing Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Non-Benefit Eligible Households in the UK

17 May 2023
Discover the benefits of ECO Flex, a government initiative that extends funding opportunities for home upgrades to a wider range of households in the UK.

ECO4 Government Scheme: Free Insulation and Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Eligible UK Households

12 April 2023
Explore the latest updates and insights on ECO4, learn about the eligibility criteria, funding opportunities and the various measures available to improve your home's energy efficiency.

External Wall Insulation: How it Can Reduce Your Energy Bills

1 March 2023
Discover the benefits of external wall insulation for your property. Learn how this energy-efficient measure can enhance your home's kerb appeal, reduce heat loss and your energy bills.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Government Scheme: What Is It & Do You Qualify for Free Insulation?

8 February 2023
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme that offers grant funding to support energy-inefficient homes, which in turn aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. In this blog article, we’ll take you through all the details you need to know about the ECO funding scheme, what are the differences between ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex and do you qualify for free insulation grants. ECO: A Brief Overview ECO was developed for energy suppliers to financially support households across the UK with the aim of boosting the property’s energy efficiency and EPC rating. There are three sets of insulation grants available under the Energy Company Obligation: ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex. Each grant has its specific eligibility criteria but all of them offer the main types of energy-efficiency measures. These include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation and boiler replacement or repair. Can I Get Free Insulation? To qualify for the ECO insulation grants, you need to be the homeowner or have a signed document from your landlord granting you permission to apply. Eligibility criteria for each of the three grants vary and will depend on several factors. Here are some of the factors that if you meet, you will most likely be eligible for the grant to insulate your home: If you receive the Warm Home Discount in the 'core' group, get eligible benefits and fit the income requirements Live in social housing that has an EPC rating of E or lower (check your energy performance certificate, ask your landlord or social housing association or get in touch with an approved installer to find out ) You meet the criteria set by your Local Authority