Land and buildings are categorised by their type and purpose through a system known as ‘use classes’. A 'Change of use' can be within the same Use Class or from one Use Class to another.

You can find a full list of use classes and change of use scenarios related to planning on the Planning Portal website.

Read more about use classes

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.

A 'listed building' is a building, object or structure in the UK that has been considered as of national importance in terms of architectural or historic interest and included on a register called the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

Buildings are listed to help protect the physical evidence of our past, including buildings, which are valued and protected as a central part of our cultural heritage and our sense of identity. Historic buildings also add to the quality of our lives, being an important aspect of the character and appearance of our towns, villages, and countryside.

There are three listing grades:

- Grade I - Buildings of exceptional interest

- Grade II* - Particularly important and more than special interest

- Grade II - Buildings of special interest, warranting every effort being made to preserve them (this is the most common)

If you live in a listed building it means you cannot demolish or alter the building in a way that changes its character without Listed Building Consent.

Read detailed guidance on Listed Building Consent

To qualify as permitted development some household building work projects – notably extending a house – must not exceed limits to the volume being added.  

In England, the volume allowance mostly applies to loft conversions. You can read more on the Planning Portal. 

Use the volume calculator to find out the volume of several loft conversion and extension types.

Approved Documents are official guides that explain how to comply with the building regulations. Published by the government, each document provides practical guidance on meeting the requirements of a specific ‘Part’ of the regulations. They cover a wide range of building work, including plumbing, electrical installations, extensions and ventilation.

The latest versions of the Approved Documents, which support the technical ‘Parts’ of the building regulations, along with Regulation 7, are available on Planning Portal.

Browse the Approved Documents.