Flue, chimney or soil and vent pipe

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:
  • ‘Changes of use’ (Schedule 2, Part 3, Classes G; M; MA; N; P; PA and Q) (as detailed in our change of use section²)
  • ‘New Dwellinghouses’ (Schedule 2, Part 20)
• 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

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