There is plenty of knowledgeable info being given directly in response to your question so i will not add to it. However, do you intend to get an EASA IR as you say or a UK IR? We are no longer part of EASA in the UK. Therefore you cannot apply to the UK CAA for an EASA rating. If you intend to have an EASA IR then you will need to also apply for an EASA licence on which to add the IR.