Building above an attached garage is treated the same as adding a storey to the rest of your home. This is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission provided you meet the set rules and requirements.

You will still need to submit an application for prior approval to your local planning authority.

Read the list of rules and requirements for extending upwards.

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You typically will not need planning permission to install a hot tub in your garden, as it is classed as an outbuilding and within the permitted development rights in terms of size and portability. However, you may need planning permission if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you should check first with your local authority.

The hot tub will need to adhere to the building regulations in terms of safe and adequate electrical installation by a registered competent person. Find out more about using a registered competent person.

Also, if the hot tub is placed within a building such as a large shed-style structure, there will be separate planning and building control limitations on that structure.

Inserting new windows which look similar to those previously used in the house will often not require planning permission. Some rules apply to new additions, for example if they are on an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure glazed and non-opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor.

Installing a new bay window on the front elevation would require planning permission as it is classed as a forward extension.

If you live in a listed building or conservation area you should contact your local planning authority.

 Any new openings will have to comply with building regulations, this may impact thermal heat loss, structure, ventilation and fire safety.

You can use a member of a competent person scheme to complete any work, this will ensure that the work is completed in-line with regulations.

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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.

Significant changes to insulation and thermal elements would normally require building regulations approval. The extent to which this applies depends on the existing insulation and what it will be replaced with.

If the work is completed by a member of a competent persons scheme, then an application for approval will not be required.

Find out more about insulation and building regulations on our common projects.

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