Do You Need Planning Permission for a New Boiler or Heating System?

Generally, you won't need planning permission if all the work to install or replace your boiler or heating system is contained entirely inside your property. However, if your home is a listed building, it's crucial that you always check with your local planning authority beforehand.

When your new installation requires an external flue, it typically falls under 'permitted development' (meaning you won't need to submit a full planning application) provided certain conditions are met:

• Your flue pipe must not extend more than one metre beyond the highest point of your roof.

• Even if your property usually has 'permitted development' rights, if it is a listed building or located within a designated area, you should still consult your local planning authority before fitting an external flue. Bear in mind that any internal alterations to a listed building will also likely require separate consent.

• For homes situated in specific protected locations such as conservation areas, World Heritage sites, national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and The Broads, you must not install the flue on the principal or side elevation if that elevation faces a highway.

It's worth noting that specific additional rights exist for installing flues associated with biomass and combined heat and power systems.

Should your project also involve constructing an outdoor building to store fuel or related equipment, the same planning regulations that apply to other extensions and garden outbuildings will be applicable.