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Do I need permission to remove chimney breasts?

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.

Common Questions

Do I need planning permission to add a children’s climbing frame in my front or back garden?

Climbing frames are classed as ‘outbuildings’ meaning they are classed as permitted development, not requiring an application provided they meet the limits set out in legislation. One of these limits is that they cannot be in front of the house.

The key restrictions for a climbing frame will be the height; how close it can be to the properties boundaries and where it can be located.

A full list of limits and conditions can be found on our outbuildings common projects.

If the climbing frame exceeds any of the limits set out in legislation an application for planning permission is required.

Where can I find a list of Use Classes for change of use?

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

What permissions do I need to build a dropped kerb?

A dropped kerb is a sloping point in the pavement to provide access by vehicle to a property. Dropped kerbs aren’t usually a planning matter although it is recommended that you contact your local authority to find out if planning permission is required, and you will need to make a specific dropped kerb application for a domestic vehicle crossing licence to your local authority.

Work to create a dropped kerb must be carried out by a New Roads and Street Works Act accredited contractor.

Read more about dropped kerbs

Do I need to apply for planning permission for a pergola?

A pergola is classed as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided it meets specified conditions and limits.

Outbuildings cannot be installed on the principal elevation of the property, additionally any platform must not exceed 0.3 metres in height.

If the building is listed, then you will need to apply for listed building consent and planning permission for the change.

For more details read our outbuildings common project.

What are the building regulations for relocating a gas meter?

Your gas meter should only be moved by your energy supplier or your local gas network operator. For more information contact your energy supplier to understand if they can move it based on your requirements.

Full details on gas safety and planning can be found on our utilities common project.

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