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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.
The UK Government provide access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can use the online tool to check whether your land is in a conservation area.
VisitGOV.UK and use the planning data map.
(This map covers planning data for England).
If you are unsure you should contact your local planning authority.
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.
A designated area is situated within a World Heritage Site, Conservation Area, Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area is protected by law due to its architectural or historic interest or landscape.
Due to this protection, there will be further limits on what you can do to your property if it is within such an area, for example building an extension, changes to the roof, or work to trees. Restrictions will be put in place and permitted development rights will not apply.
If you live in a designated area, you must seek advice from your local planning authority before starting any work.
You don't actually need to own land or property to apply for planning permission for it. This means you can apply for permission before deciding whether or not to buy a piece of land.
The following people must be informed about a planning application relating to land or buildings that they have an interest in:
You can contact your local planning authority for pre-application advice or book an appointment with our Planning Guidance Service.
You may wish to make loft alterations to enhance the storage facilities available or to increase the living space of the home. Converting the loft of a house is considered to be permitted development (not requiring an application for planning permission) subject to certain limits and conditions.
Remember, building regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a liveable space.
Find out about loft conversions
There are different rules for flats and maisonettes regarding loft conversions. Read guidance for converting the loft of a top floor flat.