Fitting, altering or replacing an external flue, chimney, or soil and vent pipe is normally considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing certain conditions are met.

Read about the conditions which must be met to comply with permitted development rules.

Building regulations apply to installing a flue, and installation should be carried out by a suitably qualified installer.

Read about building regulations for flue installation.

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Installing patio doors at the rear of your house is likely to fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required, provided certain limits and conditions are met.

The doors should be of similar appearance to those previously used, if they are not then generally planning permission will be required.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works.

If you live in a designated area such as a conservation area or national park, then additional restrictions may be in place.

If you are unsure whether the work falls within permitted development rights you can check with your local planning authority or submit a lawful development certificate to prove the change is lawful and prevent any future enforcement action.

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Planning permission is not required if the home will be used as a short-term let for 90 days or less throughout the year.

If you plan on using the home as a short-term let for more than this time period, then you will need to apply for planning permission for a change of use.

If you rent a room in your property while you still live there, you will not require planning permission.

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Planning permission is not normally required to turn two properties into one by knocking through a party wall provided the changes are internal and do not impact the external appearance of the property.

You should check with your local planning authority that they agree, and there are not any previous planning changes or conditions which may have an impact.

Additional permissions may be required depending on the building’s history and their location. If the building is listed, an application for listed building consent will be required before any major changes are made to the dwellings.

The work will have to comply with building regulations, the focus will be on structural work and safety.

‍Read more about how building regulations apply to internal walls.

Replacing the window within a bay window is treated the same as any other window. Meaning that the replacement of windows which have a similar appearance to those previously used would not require an application for planning permission.

Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements will also not require an application.

If you live in a listed building or a designated area then different rules may apply.

For more details on replacing windows, visit our common projects section.

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