Is planning permission required to knock of chimney breast!

sarah_id1

Hi,

The victorian property I am dealing in has 2 chimney. Chimney breast in the first reception room in intact.
Chimney breast in the second reception room is modified to make more space in the room. It has been knoncked off expect a feet lenght on the top which goes 'V' shape. Apparently current owner bougth the property as it is suggesting the previous owner must have done it.

Is planning permission required for this modification?
Any issue with it would have been highlighted in the last survey report I guess!

Cheers,
Sarah

kingstreet

Get the solicitor to check the deeds pack for evidence of "building regs" adherence so you have the confidence of knowing adequate support has been installed for the remaining brickwork above.

IIRC planning permission isn't required.

Orpheo

Building regs approval is required.

smcqis

Just be careful its not a Listed building as PP would be required

The_Drama_Llama

Check carefully that the remaining chimney breast is being properly supported (it doesn't sound like it is). There should be a certificate. Without one, it can significantly impact on the value of the property.

sarah_id1

To be honest I've remember seeing this being knocked off in few houses but never questioned if a planning is required or not.

alezzandro

sarah_id1 wrote: »

Is planning permission required for this modification?

yes.

sarah_id1 wrote: »

Any issue with it would have been highlighted in the last survey report I guess!

this is irrelevant.

did you have your own survey? does it say that the removal is ok, or does it say the removal should be investigated further by a structural engineer?

The problem with a removed chimney breast is not the planning permission (if it was done years ago you should be ok), but the fact that if it has not been supported adequately it might fall at some point.

That is what you should check.

johnthebar

The house I'm buying has had chimney breasts removed. It doesn't require planning approval, but does require building regs. Our vendors haven't got a building regs certificate so we are asking them to take out an indemnity policy on the very small chance that the council inspect it.

The big issue with ours is that it hasn't been supported properly, so we have to get a builder in to fit some steel gallows brackets. This isn't too expensive but I'd rather it was done than have a chimney crashing down through the house one day.

sarah_id1

I am expecting the survey to be booked within couple of days. Its doesn't seems very clear to me yet theres both "yes" and "no" for planning permission. What if there is no issue from the survey itself, do I still need to get some kind of registration for this modification!

kingstreet

This is what Waltham Forest's site says in response to a quick google on the issue. Have you tried speaking to the local authority concerned?

http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/environment/building-control/information-guide/chimney-breast-removal.htm

If a building is Listed or located in Conservation Area listed building consent and planning permission may be required for alterations to a chimney. Planning permission is not normally required for chimney breast removal unless the building is listed or situated in a conservation area.
However, a Building Regulations application is required when some but not all of a chimney is removed.

sarah_id1

kingstreet wrote: »

This is what Waltham Forest's site says in response to a quick google on the issue. Have you tried speaking to the local authority concerned?

http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/environment/building-control/information-guide/chimney-breast-removal.htm

Thanks kingstreet, Thats is really helpful. I guess I need to find if the property I intend to buy is in conservation area.