Class G – chimneys and flues etc. on a house
The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) allows for chimneys and flues to be erected on many homes without the need for any planning. Needless to say there are a couple of restrictions, which we will cover in this article.
All these permissions are contained within Part 1 of the GPDO and apply only to dwelling houses and not flats. Before starting work check to see if there any conditions that have been placed on your property. These are quite common on new build properties or maybe as a result of a previous planning approval. In those cases full planning permission might be required relevant to that condition or restriction.
Flues can also be erected for biomass heating and micro combined heat and power systems if these are installed within the house.
Where else can’t we benefit?
These permissions for chimneys do not apply to flats or maisonettes. Nor do they apply to houses that have been converted from agricultural buildings, storage, light industrial, shops or casinos. They do however apply to houses (not flats) converted from offices under Class O.
There are also restrictions of the building is listed, in a conservation area, AONB, Broads or Heritage site. They might also have been removed as a result of an Article 4 or a condition on a previous planning application.
Height limitations
The chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe can’t exceed the highest part of the roof by more than 1 metre. On article 2(3) land, i.e. conservation areas, AONB, Broads or Heritage site the chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe can’t be installed on a wall or a roof slope that fronts the street or on a wall on the side elevation.
Apart from these minor restrictions you are good to go with your chimney or pipe.
Also see Permitted development rights for householders – Technical Guidance
Legislation
Class G – chimneys, flues etc on a dwellinghouse
Permitted development
G. The installation, alteration or replacement of a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe on a dwellinghouse.
Development not permitted
G.1 Development is not permitted by Class G if—
(a) permission to use the dwellinghouse as a dwellinghouse has been granted only by virtue of Class G, M, MA, N, P, PA or Q of Part 3 of this Schedule (changes of use);
(b) the height of the chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe would exceed the highest part of the roof by 1 metre or more;
(c) in the case of a dwellinghouse on article 2(3) land, the chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe would be installed on a wall or roof slope which—
(i) fronts a highway, and
(ii) forms either the principal elevation or a side elevation of the dwellinghouse.; or
(d) the dwellinghouse is built under Part 20 of this Schedule (construction of new dwellinghouses).
Page updated: 15th January 2024