Do I need planning permission?

Flats

You must apply for full planning permission to install, alter or replace a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe.

If your flat is a listed building (or part of), you must apply for listed building consent for this.

Houses

You must apply for householder planning permission if any of the following apply:

  • it will be 1m higher than the highest part of the roof
  • it will be installed on a house in a conservation area or covered by an Article 4 Direction. In this case you must apply if:
    • it is on a wall or roof slope which forms the principal or side elevation and faces the road.

If your house is a listed building (or part of), you must apply for listed building consent. This is to install, alter or replace a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe.

Where can I find more information?

You can get guidance and useful information from: 

The flue, chimney or soil and vent pipe section of the national planning portal.

Can I get confirmation that I do not need planning permission?

You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) to prove that an existing or a proposed chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe is lawful.

Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to prove a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe is lawful. This is both for existing or proposed structures.

Am I likely to get planning permission?

To find out whether your proposal is likely to be accepted, you can apply for pre-planning application advice.

How do I apply?

You can apply via the national planning portal. To find out what information is required with your application, see making a planning application.

Still not sure whether you need planning permission?

If you need further advice about whether you need planning permission, contact planning advice and information.