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Can I upgrade my windows and doors to reduce heat loss?
Inefficient windows and doors can significantly contribute to heat loss. Replacing single glazed windows by installing double glazing can cut heat loss through windows considerably. Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass creating an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss, noise and condensation.
If you can't replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat? Other options to reduce heat loss through windows include sealing gaps or using thermal blinds.
You don’t usually need planning permission for repairs, maintenance and minor improvements or replacing windows and doors that are of a similar appearance.
Building regulations apply to replacement glazing, in terms of thermal performance, air supply, ventilation, safety and means of escape.
Read about planning and building rules for doors and windows
Common Questions
Removing a chimney stack may fall under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required provided certain limits and conditions are met.
The permitted development right which covers this focuses on the installation, alteration or replacement of a chimney, note that this does not specifically mention removal. Rules in a conservation area may differ, in this instance you should contact your local planning authority directly to understand their position, and if the building is listed, then you will need listed building consent.
To ensure that the local planning authority will allow the removal of the chimney stack you can apply for a lawful development certificate. If approved, then no enforcement action can be taken against the change.
If the chimney is shared (i.e. as part of a terrace), you might need to discuss with relevant neighbour and obtain a party wall agreement.
Building regulations approval may not be required if you are removing the external chimney stack above the roof. If works progress to the internal chimney stack or breasts, then it will require building regulations to understand the structural impact.
Read more about planning and building regulations on Planning Portal.
You can usually put up new fences, gates or garden walls without planning permission, as long as you stay within permitted height limits. If the structure is adjacent to a highway (including footpaths), it must not exceed one metre in height. For all other boundaries, the maximum permitted height is two metres. Anything taller than these limits will require planning permission.
Planning permission is not required to remove an internal chimney breast as the change does not impact the exterior of the house. Rules may differ if you are planning on removing the chimney stack, or if you are in a conservation area.
If you live in a listed building, then you will need to apply for listed building consent for any major changes to the building.
Building regulations approval will always apply when removing chimney breasts as they are part of the building’s structure. You should seek advice from a structural engineer who will provide drawings and calculations that can be submitted as part of your application.
You can put one flagpole up to 4.6 metres high in your garden without needing to apply for planning permission. If it is higher than this or you live in a protected area such as a Conservation Area or listed building then consent will be required.
Certain flags can be flown without needing consent, such as national flags.
Read government guidance on flying flags for more information.
Rules governing outbuildings apply to sheds, playhouses, greenhouses and garages as well as other ancillary garden buildings such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels, enclosures (including tennis courts) and many other kinds of structures for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse.
If you are unsure if your planned building falls into the category of 'outbuildings' or if you are unsure if planning permission is required, please contact your local planning authority.
Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject certain limits and conditions.
Read about the limits and conditions for outbuildings
