When renovating a home in the UK, one question often comes up: Should I remove a chimney breast?

Chimney breasts are a common feature in older properties across UK and beyond. They once housed fireplaces for heating, but many now sit unused, taking up valuable floor space.

While removing a chimney breast can open up a room and improve layout options, it’s not a decision to take lightly. The structure often supports upper floors, roofs, or even adjoining walls. Removing it without proper planning can lead to serious issues.

This guide explains when chimney breast removal makes sense, what the process involves, and how to avoid costly structural problems.

What Is a Chimney Breast and Why Does It Matter?

A chimney breast is the part of a chimney that extends into a room. It contains the flue and provides a path for smoke and gases to exit the building.

In many UK homes, chimney breasts appear in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms. Even if fireplaces are no longer used, the chimney breast remains part of the building’s structure.

Removing it can create more usable space or make room for modern layouts. However, it can also affect the building’s integrity, so careful assessment is key.

Common Reasons Homeowners Remove a Chimney Breast

Here are a few reasons people choose to remove a chimney breast during renovation:

• Creating more space: Removing the projection allows for larger furniture or a more open layout.
  
• Loft conversions: The chimney often runs through the attic, limiting headroom or usable space.
  
• Modern heating systems: With central heating and boilers, fireplaces are less necessary.
  
• Improved design flow: Open-plan layouts work better without bulky chimney walls.
  

That said, removal is not always the best choice. Let’s look at when you might want to keep it.

When It’s Best to Keep Your Chimney Breast

In some homes, the chimney breast adds charm and structure. You might want to keep it if:

• It provides architectural character, especially in period homes.
  
• It supports shared walls between terraced or semi-detached houses.
  
• It still houses a functioning fireplace or stove.
  
• The removal cost outweighs the benefit of the extra space.
  

If you’re unsure, it’s wise to consult a structural engineer before making a decision.

Structural Considerations Before Removing a Chimney Breast

Removing a chimney breast is not a simple demolition job. It’s a structural modification, which means the rest of your building must be properly supported.

A professional assessment will determine:

• Whether the chimney breast is load-bearing
  
• How the upper sections (chimney stack or flue) will be supported
  
• If a Rolled Steel Joist (RSJ) or beam is required
  
• How removal affects the neighbouring property in a shared wall
  

Any supporting beam must be designed and approved by a qualified structural engineer and comply with Building Regulations Part A (Structure).

Chimney Breast Removal During a Loft Conversion

If you are planning a loft conversion, chimney breast removal might become part of the project.

In many UK homes, the chimney stack passes through the loft space, reducing usable area. Removing it can make room for insulation, roof windows, or a staircase.

However, removal at this level often requires:

• Planning permission if the external roofline changes
  
• Structural calculations for new supports
  
• Fire safety upgrades to adjacent walls and floors
  

It’s always best to handle chimney removal during a loft conversion under the guidance of a professional builder like Ecoden Constructions, who can manage both aspects together.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

In most UK cases, planning permission is not required for internal chimney breast removal. However, you must follow building regulations because it’s a structural alteration.

You’ll need approval under:

• Part A – Structure: To ensure the building remains safe.
  
• Part B – Fire Safety: To maintain fire resistance between floors and walls.
  
• Part C – Moisture Protection: Especially if you seal the chimney stack.
  

If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Similarly, if you share a wall (common in terraced or semi-detached homes), the Party Wall Act 1996 requires you to notify your neighbour before starting work.

Chimney Breast Removal Costs in the UK

Costs vary depending on the property type, location, and complexity. Here’s a general guide:

These are rough estimates. Always get a detailed quote from a qualified contractor who can assess your specific project.

Alternatives to Full Chimney Breast Removal

If you like the idea of extra space but don’t want the cost or disruption, there are alternatives:

• Partial removal: Removing the chimney on one floor while keeping it on another.
  
• Decorative covers: Create shelving or alcoves instead of full removal.
  
• Convert to storage: Use the old fireplace recess for cabinets or bookshelves.
  

These options can modernise your space while avoiding major structural work.

Pros and Cons of Removing a Chimney Breast

Pros

• Frees up valuable floor space
  
• Makes room for modern layouts or furniture
  
• Simplifies loft conversions
  
• Can improve energy efficiency with better wall insulation
  

Cons

• Can be expensive and disruptive
  
• May affect your home’s structure
  
• Requires building control approval
  
• Could reduce period character or property value in some markets
  

Fireplace Removal During a Boiler Change

When upgrading or relocating a boiler, some homeowners choose to remove old fireplaces or flues connected to previous systems.

This can be a good time to tidy up unused chimney features, but there are safety rules to follow:

• Ensure ventilation for the new boiler system is adequate.
  
• Cap or seal old flues properly to prevent moisture ingress.
  
• Consult a Gas Safe registered engineer for any work involving boilers or gas appliances.
  

Ecoden Constructions can coordinate with certified heating engineers to ensure your renovation meets all safety standards.

Choosing the Right Professional Help

Chimney breast removal requires precise coordination between builders, engineers, and local authorities.

Here’s what a good contractor should handle:

• Structural inspection and feasibility report
  
• Engineering design for supports (RSJs)
  
• Submission of building control documents
  
• Safe removal and waste disposal
  
• Final inspection and compliance certificate
  

At Ecoden Constructions, we specialise in complex home renovations across UK and the North West. Our team ensures your chimney removal project meets all UK regulations and runs smoothly from start to finish.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to remove a chimney breast depends on your renovation goals, property type, and budget.

If space is your main concern and the structure allows it, removal can transform your interior layout. But if your home relies on the chimney for support or character, consider alternatives that preserve its charm.

The key is to get professional advice early. With expert planning, you can make the right decision for your home and ensure your renovation stays compliant and stress-free.

Thinking about removing a chimney breast as part of your renovation?

Contact Ecoden Constructions, UK’s trusted specialists in structural alterations and home renovations. Our experienced team can inspect your property, provide design options, and handle every step  from engineering approval to completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need planning permission to remove a chimney breast?
   Usually not, unless your property is listed or in a conservation area. You do, however, need building regulations approval.
   
   
2. How long does chimney breast removal take?
   Most removals take between 5 and 10 working days, depending on the scope.
   
   
3. Can I remove only part of the chimney?
   Yes, partial removal is possible. It’s common to remove the ground-floor portion while keeping upper sections for structural stability.
   
   
4. What happens if I remove a chimney breast without approval?
   You could face enforcement action and may need to reverse the work. It can also cause problems when selling your property.
   
   
5. Is it safe to remove a chimney breast in a terraced house?
   Yes, but only if a structural engineer designs the supports. You must also comply with the Party Wall Act.
   
   
6. How much space will I gain?
   Typically, between 1 to 2 square metres per room — enough for larger wardrobes, beds, or open layouts.
   
   
7. Can Ecoden Constructions handle both design and approval?
   Absolutely. Our team manages structural assessments, building control submissions, and all construction work for a safe, compliant result.