In England (including London), painting or decorating the exterior of your home usually does not require planning permission as it's considered a cosmetic, maintenance activity under Permitted Development rights. This extends to houses, flats, outbuildings, fences—even walls—so long as you're merely redecorating, not advertising.
When You Don’t Need Permission
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Regular houses and flats: Painting or repainting external walls—including brickwork—is allowed without needing permission
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Flats & maisonettes: You generally don’t need planning permission unless your lease prohibits it or there’s an Article 4 direction
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Minor external work: Repainting trim, doors, fences, or outbuildings is permitted development.
When Permission Is Required
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Listed buildings
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Listed building consent is mandatory for any exterior alterations—including repainting—even if it’s the same colour .
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Conservation Areas & Designated Land
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If your home is in a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park, or under an Article 4 Direction, permitted rights may be restricted or removed—meaning even repainting or changing colours might need planning permission.
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Advertisements & Murals
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Painting for advertisement or signage purposes triggers stricter rules and may require Advertisement Consent—which is not included under Class C of the GPDO.
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How to Check Your Situation
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Know your property classification
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Is it a listed building?
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Is the property in a conservation area or other designated land?
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Is the property covered by an Article 4 Direction?
Check via the Planning Portal or your local authority.
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Review your lease or deeds (if applicable)
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Flats, maisonettes, or properties with estate management may include colour restrictions or require landlord permission.
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Reach out to your Local Planning Authority (LPA)
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They can confirm any local restrictions and whether your repainting needs pre-application advice or a Lawful Development Certificate.
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Practical Steps Before You Paint
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Determine if your property is listed or in a protected area
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Use government mapping tools or LPA websites.
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If it’s protected, seek either:
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Listed building consent
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Planning permission (if under conservation restrictions)
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Non-listed properties in normal areas
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Just go ahead—but check if your property is subject to any deed-based or estate-specific covenants.
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If unsure, consider applying for a Lawful Development Certificate to formalise that your work is legal.
Real-Life Example
A case in Canterbury involved a landlord who painted the front of a Grade II-listed shop pink without listed building consent. The council issued enforcement notices and warned of prosecution—a sharp reminder that listed status brings serious obligations even for paint jobs .
Summary Table
| Situation | Is Permission Needed? | Type of Consent |
|---|---|---|
| Standard houses/flats | ❌ No | — |
| Flats with lease covenants | ✅ Maybe | Check lease / landlord |
| Listed building | ✅ Yes | Listed Building Consent |
| Conservation Area / AONB | ✅ Maybe | Planning Permission |
| Under Article 4 Direction | ✅ Yes | Planning Permission |
| Painting murals/ads | ✅ Yes | Advertisement Consent |
Final Takeaway
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Painting and decorating your exterior? Most cases: no planning needed.
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Own a listed building or live in a protected area? Always get consent first.
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Flats with restrictions or commercial advertising? Check your lease and possibly get Advertisement Consent.
🚦 Next Steps
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Check your property’s status using Planning Portal and LPA resources.
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If in doubt, contact your LPA or seek pre-application advice—especially in sensitive areas or listed buildings.
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Need certainty? Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
Bottom line: For most homeowners, a fresh coat of paint is perfectly legal under Permitted Development. But if your property is listed, in a conservation area, under Article 4, or being used for advertising, it's best to check first—and when in doubt, ask your local planning authority.
