In January this year the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) issued a clarification that the installation of external solid wall insulation (ESWI) constitutes an ‘improvement ‘ to a house rather than an ‘enlargement’ or ‘extension’.
This means that in many cases a solid wall installation can be carried out under permitted development, and a planning application may not be required.
Following this, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the National Insulation Association have been working together to organise a series of ESWI roadshows for local authority planners.
The roadshow sessions are designed to update planners on ESWI delivery plans under Green Deal and ECO, alert them to the new permitted development rights regarding ESWI, and introduce planners to the latest solid wall insulation fabrics, finishes and techniques so they are well equipped to respond to queries about solid wall insulation.
The first roadshow session will take place at London City Hall London on 4th April, with further national venues and dates to follow.
For further info please contact Stephen Ryman at DECC at stephen.ryman@decc.gsi.gov.uk