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Do I need planning or building control for covered outdoor kitchen?
If an outdoor kitchen is not a permanent structure, then planning permission will normally not be required.
Where planning permission is required, it may be granted through permitted development rights, provided it meets the limits set out in legislation. Most outdoor kitchens fall within the set limits unless they are particularly tall or close to a boundary.
While there is no specific permitted development right for ‘outdoor kitchens’ it may be classified as an ‘outbuilding’.
You can view the limitations for outbuildings and outdoor kitchens in the relevant common project
If the structure exceeds the limits set out through permitted development rights, then it will require an application for planning permission.
Different rules may apply if you live in a listed building or conservation area. If this is the case, you may wish to consult your local planning authority.
Read about the building regulations that cover outdoor kitchens.
Common Questions
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.
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.
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.
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’.
Work that requires building control approval will require a completion notice to be submitted to the building control body. The completion notice must be sent within five days of the work being completed, once submitted, the building control body can visit the site to complete a final inspection.
If the work meets the required standards they will issue a completion certificate.
