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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
By law, any planning permission granted expires after a certain period. Generally, unless your permission says otherwise, you have three years from the date it's granted to begin the development. If you haven't started work by then, you will probably need to reapply.
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.
The addition of a new external doorway will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required. This applies where the new doors are of similar appearance to those used elsewhere on the original building.
Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area oran Article 4 direction is in place. In these circumstances it is best to contact your local planning authority for more advice.
New external doorways which create a new or widened opening must comply with building regulations. A new structural opening will require a building regulations application.
The installation of a new door can be completed by a 'competent person' to ensure building regulation requirements are met. For more information on the competent person scheme and to find a registered person, visit the GOV.uk website.
In many circumstances, rules known as ‘permitted development’ rights allow you to extend a house without needing to apply for planning permission, providing specific limitations and conditions are met. If you want to exceed these limits and conditions, then it is likely that an application for householder planning permission will be required.
The limits and conditions for building an extension under permitted development rules are covered in our guidance on the Planning Portal, and there are other points to take into consideration.
Visit Planning Portal to find out more.
You will not need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect a new; or alter, maintain, improve or take down* an existing fence, wall or gate if certain conditions are met. If any of the conditions are not met, then you will need to apply for planning permission.
Find out about the limits and conditions for fences, gates and walls.
Fences, walls and gates do not require building regulation approval. Even though building regulations do not apply, the structures must be structurally sound and maintained.
If you share a wall with a neighbour, it may be classed as a ‘party fence wall’.
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