Painting the Exterior of Your Flat

Generally, you won't need specific planning permission to paint or carry out maintenance work on the external walls of your flat or maisonette. This typically includes any application of colour to the exterior. However, it's important to be aware that certain localities might have special regulations, known as an Article 4 Direction, which could have removed these standard permissions. In such cases, you would need to seek approval from your local planning authority.

If you live in a property as a leaseholder, you must first obtain consent from your landlord, the freeholder of the building, or the designated management company before undertaking any exterior painting.

Special Rules for Listed Buildings:

• If your flat is situated within a listed building – a property recognised for its special historic character – you will need to apply for listed building consent. The only instance where this consent is not required is if you are simply repainting the exterior using the exact same colour that is currently present.

• To confirm whether consent is necessary for your specific project, you should always contact your local planning authority directly.

• Be advised that carrying out any work on a listed building that alters its distinctive historic character without the proper consent is considered a criminal offence.