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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

What permissions are required for a pond in my garden?

Most garden ponds will fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required. In planning terms a pond will be classed as an outbuilding, to read the full rules around installing an outbuilding, visit our common projects section.

For ponds which are particularly deep or large, you may need to apply for planning permission. If you are unsure, you should contact your local planning authority for advice.

In a listed building you will require listed building consent for any major changes.

When installing a pond, you should take into account other regulatory considerations such as environmental permits or any protected species which may be impacted. Further thought will have to be placed when creating ponds near riverways or in areas of flood risk.

What are use classes and change of use?

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.

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 planning permission to put new driveway access on an unclassified road?

Adding a new driveway to an unclassified road for access to a house or business falls under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required.

If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.

You will have to apply to the relevant highway authority for a dropped kerb if you wish to cross a pavement to access your property.

Read more information on our dropped kerb common project.

Can I use an outbuilding as a home office?

Yes, in most cases you can use an outbuilding as a home office without needing planning permission. As long as the use remains incidental to the main dwelling it is still considered part of your domestic residential use.

Read more about outbuildings

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