Skip to content

Planning Permission

Fitting, altering or replacing an external flue, chimney, or soil and vent pipe is normally considered to be permitted development, not requiring planning consent, if the conditions outlined below are met:

  • Flues on the rear or side elevation of the building are allowed to a maximum of one metre above the highest part of the roof
  • If the building is listed or in a designated area even if you enjoy permitted development rights it is advisable to check with your local planning authority before a flue is fitted
  • In a designated area the flue should not be fitted on the principal or side elevation that fronts a highway.

Please note: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to:

  • Flats and maisonettes (view our guidance on flats and maisonettes1
  • Converted houses or houses created through the ‘permitted development’ rights for:
  • Other buildings
  • Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights.


Permitted Development for householders – Technical Guidance

You are strongly advised to read a technical guidance document produced by the government to help understand how permitted development rules might apply to your circumstances.

View 'Permitted development for householders – Technical guidance' on Gov.uk3

Find a Trade Professional

Use our partner directories from CIAT, FMB or RTPI to find an chartered architectural technologist, builder or planning consultant to help with your project or development.

Find a professional


Useful links

Make an application Planning consultancy calculator
    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/flats-and-maisonettes
    2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/change-of-use
    3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permitted-development-rights-for-householders-technical-guidance

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.