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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To qualify as permitted development some household building work projects – notably extending a house – must not exceed limits to the volume being added.  

In England, the volume allowance mostly applies to loft conversions. You can read more on the Planning Portal. 

Use the volume calculator to find out the volume of several loft conversion and extension types.

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.

Merging two flats into one, commonly known as amalgamation is likely to require planning permission as it will impact the local planning authorities housing supply. The council’s views on this will vary from council to council. It is recommended that you contact your local planning authority to understand their position.

If you do not need to apply for planning permission then you can apply for a lawful development certificate to prove that the change is lawful.

Building regulations will be required if there are physical works taking place as part of the amalgamation, this may include removing walls or changing electrics. Visit the relevant common projects on our site for more information.

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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.

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