Planning permission is unlikely to be required for the installation of external damp proofing unless the work will change the external appearance of the building or is part of a larger project.

If you live in a listed building you will need listed building consent for any significant changes, this can include external damp proofing. Additional rules may also apply if you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area.

Building regulations approval is not required for installing an external damp proof course (DPC).

Read further guidance on damp proofing.

Once submitted, your planning application first goes through a validation process. After its validated, the formal decision period is 8 weeks. However, in some cases, especially for more complex proposals or if further information is needed, your local authority may request an extension of time.

Understand more about the decision-making process on Planning Portal

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.

Categorising land and buildings according to their type and purpose is known as Use Classes.  

A 'Change of use' can be within the same Use Class or from one Use Class to another.

You will need planning permission for certain changes to the use of a property such as changing from a residential use to a business use. However, it is possible to change use between some classes without having to make an application for planning permission.

Depending on the specifics of any proposed change of use, including any building work associated with the proposal, an application for planning permission or prior approval may be 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.