Cladding shields your property from the elements while improving its appearance. It’s quick and easy to install, and while you don’t typically need planning permission for cladding, there are a few occasions when you might.
We’ve put together this guide explaining the ins and outs of planning permission for cladding and the steps you have to take if it applies.
What We'll Cover:
In which cases will you need planning permission for cladding?
You don’t typically need planning permission for cladding because it’s a small home improvement and they are protected under Permitted Development Rights. This means you can make minor changes to your home, but the materials used for your cladding have to be ‘of a similar appearance to those used in the construction’ of your property. This is a minor technicality because cladding is manufactured with a natural look and feel, and comes in many styles and colours to suit.
Some properties do require planning permission for cladding like those with historical significance or which are on protected land. Planning permission for cladding may be required for:
- Listed buildings
- Conservation areas
- National parks
- Areas of outstanding natural beauty
- Norfolk or Suffolk broads
How to get Planning Permission if you need it
If you’re unsure whether you need planning permission, contact your local planning authority (LPA), otherwise known as your local council. Where planning permission is needed, you will need to submit an application form to your local council.
Don’t install cladding without planning permission when it’s required, otherwise you’ll have to remove it. If you do need planning permission, you will have to submit an application and pay a fee. Your neighbours will be notified and your property assessed before a decision is made.
Building Regulations for Cladding
Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the Government changed regulations to external cladding on buildings including residential. Buildings over 18m in height need a European Classification A2-s1, d0 or A1, in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.
Buildings under 18m in height cannot use combustible cladding materials which can easily catch fire. You also have a duty to fit cladding safely and correctly, which means it can’t be hanging off or loose. Coastline cladding cannot be installed over 18m and must be over 1m from a boundary.
Learn more about Eurocell's Building Regulations Compliance here.
Permitted Development Rights
Unless you fall into one of the categories listed above, you have Permitted Development Rights which means you can make small alterations to your home without permission. However, bear in mind that the rights don’t apply if you live in a flat or maisonette, and some areas are under Article 4 where the council restricts works to protect local amenities or the area's character.
The rights are set out in the Town and Country Planning Order 2015. It states that changes to the exterior can be made as long as they are in a ‘similar’ material to the house. This is to prevent properties becoming an eyesore and impacting other residents. That said, modern cladding suits a wide variety of properties, from traditional to contemporary, so it’s easy to choose one for your home.
Browse cladding with Eurocell
Cladding can give your home a fresh modern look, and protect it from weather damage. Eurocell’s Coastline Composite Cladding prevents water from entering and if any slips through, it is removed by drainage and ventilation. It’s also manufactured from 100% recyclable materials, so the perfect eco-friendly option.
If the exterior of your home is worse for wear, cladding helps to cover it to hide any imperfections. It comes in a range of styles including horizontal and vertical, and colours. Tudor Board Cladding is perfect for classic and traditional properties with its oak-grain finish.
High-quality UPVC cladding and composite cladding won’t warp, crack or fade, and protects against insect damage. So if you have existing rotting wood, you can replace it with modern and long-lasting cladding which has a natural wood-grain finish.
To protect against stains and UV damage to your property, Forma Composite Cladding, manufactured from recycled HDPE and reclaimed wood fibres, is a good choice and comes with a 25 year guarantee.
Explore Eurocell’s range of external cladding.
