Can you use Timber Cladding in a Conservation Area?

Timber cladding is a commonly used material across a range of architectural and construction projects – but how suitable is timber cladding when designing or building in a conservation area? With building regulations and planning permission requirements varying across contexts, knowing what is and isn’t permitted can be tricky.

At NORclad, we’re the leading supplier of sustainable timber cladding for the UK. In this blog, we discuss the use of timber cladding in conservation areas, helping you understand its use with reference to historic examples.

Do You Need Planning Permission for Timber Cladding?

Timber cladding can be used in a wide variety of ways, making it difficult to establish which uses are ‘permitted’ and which are not.

As a general rule, planning permission is not required to add exterior cladding to a property – this is due to the addition falling under ‘permitted development rights’, which detail building works and changes of use that can take place without applying for planning permission.

Within UK classification, exterior cladding is most commonly categorised as a repair, minor improvement or property maintenance procedure. When it comes to ensuring external property alterations don’t breach planning requirements, the most important thing to ensure is that the materials used are of similar material to those used in the construction of a property.

Take a look at our blog for a more detailed look into how regulations impact the use of timber >

In some circumstances, however, you are required to obtain planning permission to use timber cladding on a property. This includes instances where a property is on protected land or an area of outstanding national beauty – these might be within national parks, or conservation areas. In this event, it will be essential to submit a planning application ahead of making any structural or cosmetic changes using timber.

This rule also applies when making changes to a listed property. Should you wish to apply, this can be done through the Planning Portal. The planning portal also offers detailed information on what changes require planning permission.

How Timber can Complement the Natural Environment?

Timber can complement the natural environment in several ways. Firstly, the natural look and feel of timber allows timber designs to feel more ‘in keeping’ with natural spaces and conservation areas. When constructing a property or fixture within a natural space, using timber allows for natural cohesion between what is built and its surroundings.

In addition, the natural origins of timber could also be seen to complement the values and sustainable objectives of natural sites. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during growth; therefore, the use of timber in conservation areas can be seen as an attempt to mirror the sustainability principles of the environment. The renewable nature of timber compared to artificially derived building materials also furthers this effect.

Timber is also safe to handle, non-toxic and does not break down into environmentally damaging materials – allowing both the environment itself and the ecosystems active within to remain unimpacted by development.

Examples of How Timber Cladding Can be Used in Protected Areas

Architectural Offices – Cairngorms National Park

This project situates modern architectural design within a rural landscape – using light grey coated cladding to create an elegant yet complimentary design that is in-keeping with its environment. This project achieved its target modernistic aesthetic while also adhering to national park and SSSI legislation. With its roof sitting parallel to quarry foundations, this timber-clad structure fits seamlessly amongst its surroundings.

Iona Village Hall – Isle of Iona

First constructed in 1925, this structure holds historic and social importance within its area. Protected by regulations from Argyll and Bute Council, development in this conservation area demanded careful consideration and design sensitivity. This partly stilted structure combines timber cladding and oak flooring with rooftop turfing – generating a dramatic yet in-keeping style that compliments its rural surroundings.

Monachyle Beag – Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

This mountaintop hunting lodge uses both timber and textures of the landscape to accentuate panoramic mountain views. The exterior of the lodge pairs an outer layer of cladding with an exposed frame to create a barn-like feel to the structure. The timber used has been treated to produce a uniform weathering effect that is complemented by a dramatic moss roof. This installation champions both sustainability and sensitivity to its environment.

Turf House – Isle of Sky

Turf House offers a striking example of where modern architecture meets rural tranquillity. While this project was initially challenged by planning restrictions attached to its location in a conservation area, an outstandingly unique building has emerged as a final result. This aerodynamically shaped, unobtrusive building is minimally elevated as not to intrude on the line of the neighbouring coastline. This project opted to allow its timber components to naturally weather in coordination with the natural coastline. This building now fades naturally into the protected landscape.

Projects from NORclad

Our cladding is the perfect complement to any project, providing sustainable timber that’s perfect for use in protected areas. This helps your build to blend in with its surroundings, providing a natural aesthetic in-keeping with the region’s look and feel.

Explore the impact and potential of our products through our case studies >

Quality, Sustainable Timber Cladding from NORclad

Are you looking to use timber in a protected area and are unsure of where to begin your research? Take a look at the range of timber cladding products available with NORclad and see what best suits your vision. If you’re in search of more tailored advice regarding your timber choice, get in touch today. Our team of friendly industry experts are on hand to offer advice suited to the specifics of your project.

Find out about the cost-effectiveness of timber cladding >

Learn whether horizontal or vertical timber cladding is better for your build >

Discover how timber cladding helps to achieve bioclimatic design >