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Do you need planning permission to install an outside flue?

Fitting, altering or replacing an external flue, chimney, or soil and vent pipe is normally considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing certain conditions are met.

Read about the conditions which must be met to comply with permitted development rules.

Building regulations apply to installing a flue, and installation should be carried out by a suitably qualified installer.

Read about building regulations for flue installation.

Common Questions

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 is a lawful development certificate (LDC)?

If you want formal confirmation that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes, or that your proposed development does not require planning permission, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate(LDC). An LDC can be useful in situations where you need assurance that a particular use, operation, or development is lawful under planning legislation.

Read more about Lawful Development Certificates.

Applications for a Lawful Development Certificate can be submitted online to your local council using Planning Portal. You must include enough detail and evidence to support your case; if the information is insufficient, your application may be refused.

Apply online

Is permission needed for installing new roof tiles?

Work to the roof of a house (e.g. re-roofing) that does not change its external appearance will usually not require an application planning permission as it is classed as ‘permitted development’. There are certain conditions and limits that need to be met to qualify for permitted development rights.

Read more about permitted development for work to a roof.

A new roof must comply with building regulations to ensure it is structurally safe, energy efficient and properly ventilated.

Do I need building regulations approval to add underfloor heating?

Whether you need building regulations approval depends on the type of underfloor heating (UFH) you are installing.

Electric UFH must comply with Part P for electrical safety.This work can be done by a member of the competent persons scheme who can self-certify the work.

Wet UFH must comply with Part L which focuses on the conservation of fuel and power. This will likely require building control approval.

What are the permitted development rights for new porches?

In many cases, you can build a porch without planning permission under permitted development rights, provided certain criteria are met. To qualify as permitted development, your proposed porch must:

  • Not exceed three square metres in external ground area
  • Be no taller than three metres in height
  • Be located at least two metres away from any boundary with a highway

 

Read more about porches on Planning Portal

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