Do You Need Planning Permission for Cladding?

If you’re considering installing cladding on your home or in the garden, you’ve probably asked the question, ‘Do you need planning permission for cladding?’ It’s certainly very important to make sure that you understand the cladding regulations UK authorities impose. Composite cladding, in particular, has a number of benefits. It looks fantastic and is durable and weather-resistant, adding a protective shell to your property that is easy to maintain.

If you fail to get proper planning permission where it is needed, however, you could be told to remove it, which would be a costly and time-consuming process. Below, we will go through the rules and regulations of planning permission that apply to cladding.

What are planning permissions and regulations?

Planning permission and building regulations are two different things that can both have an impact on the work you want to do on your property.

Planning permission is the formal permission you may need to seek from a local authority to put up or alter buildings and other large structures on your property. The planning process is intended to guide the way that our towns, cities and countryside areas develop and can include a number of considerations, including how land and property is used, environmental impact, and whether it fits into the character of its surroundings.

Building regulations are standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure that they are safe and suitable for the purposes they are used for. Building regulations can also cover areas such as energy efficiency and accessibility.

Planning permission is administered by your local authority. Building regulations are administered by the local authority via a local governing body and national regulatory body the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

Planning permission isn’t generally needed for cladding because it is classed as a small home improvement under the Permitted Development Rights. This means that small changes can be made, but the cladding must be of a similar appearance to the existing home or outbuilding.

This isn’t generally a major issue, as a lot of cladding is manufactured to mimic a variety of styles.

Situations where planning permission is required for cladding

So, what is the answer to the question, ‘Do I need planning permission for cladding?’ The short answer is that in most cases, you probably will not, but there are some exceptions where you might.

In general, you will need to apply for planning permission for cladding if:

• You want to apply cladding to a Listed Building.
• The building you want to clad is located in a Conservation Area.
• The building you want to clad is located in a National Park.
• The building you want to clad is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• The building you want to clad is located in the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads.

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

Permitted Development Rights

Permitted Development Rights give houseowners the right to make small home improvements without having to get planning permission first. However, these rights generally apply only to houses and do not apply to flats or maisonettes.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that some local authorities may have withdrawn the right for certain improvements under an Article 4 direction. These generally only occur in cases listed above, such as houses in an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but it is always advisable to check before going ahead.

How to get planning permission for cladding

Most people will not need to seek planning permission for cladding, but if you do, the process is relatively straightforward. These days, it can be done by filling out a form online.

You will need to:

• Provide a site plan showing how the cladding will look and its dimensions.
• Give the full house address.
• Describe whether it will have an impact on the surrounding area. For example, whether it will affect a neighbour’s house in any way.

It is vital to get proper planning permission if it is needed, as without it, the cladding might have to be removed. 

You can visit the Government website to find your local council or use the central Planning Portal.

The Planning Portal also has plenty of detailed information on when you need to seek planning permission and how to apply for it. 

Building regulations for cladding

The type of cladding used is the most important issue when it comes to building regulations.

Following the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire, new rules were introduced on external cladding. Buildings over 18 metres in height need special permissions, but this will not affect the average homeowner.

Buildings under 18 metres cannot use cladding that can easily catch fire. It’s also important to ensure that the cladding is properly installed. Composite materials are fire-resistant, making them a safer option for external cladding. 

How to get building regulation approval for your external cladding

Building regulations must be followed when new alterations or structural work are carried out on your property. Composite cladding should meet all current fire safety standards, and you can also ensure that you get building regulation approval by:

• Get a registered tradesman to install the cladding and make an application for you. They know the rules and regulations better than anyone, so this can save valuable time. 
• You can employ a Building Control Body (BCB) to check over your plans before the build takes place. This can be arranged by a tradesman if they are fitting the decking.

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To sum up, most people will not need planning permission for external cladding, but there are certain situations where you might. It is always best to check with your local authority or an expert if you are uncertain.

If you are looking for modern exterior cladding ideas, composite cladding provides a great option. It is durable, weather-resistant and easy to maintain, as well as being easy to install and affordable compared to other types of cladding materials. Contact us today for more information.