Removing a chimney breast means supporting whatever the breast was carrying, whether that is the stack above it, the floor joists bearing into it, or both. The support is either gallows brackets, where the remaining brickwork can take them, or a steel beam. The structural engineer we appoint decides which. This page covers the consent route for a chimney breast removal in High Wycombe.
The building control notice for a chimney breast goes to Buckinghamshire Council
Buckinghamshire Council runs its own building control service. The team covering the former Wycombe district area, which includes High Wycombe, can be reached on 01494 421 403.
Taking a breast out on one floor leaves the stack above it needing support, so the work is notifiable whichever method the engineer specifies. We make the application, appoint the engineer, and arrange for the opening and the support to be inspected before either is closed up. You get one point of contact for all of it.
A breast removed without approval can be regularised
Buckinghamshire Council states that where work has already been started or completed without approval, the route back is an application for a regularisation certificate. That is the application to make when a chimney breast has already gone and there is no certificate behind it.
An unsupported stack left in a loft is a structural problem and a conveyancing one at the same time. We can open up, have the engineer inspect what is carrying the remaining brickwork, install proper support where it is missing, and put the work to building control. Where the existing support proves adequate, the engineer's inspection is the evidence that goes with the application.
- Party Wall Act notices for stacks in a shared wall
- Hearth removal and floor structure reinstatement
- Soot and debris contained with screens and sheeting
- Ceiling and joist support where the breast carried them
- Chimney breast removal on one floor or on every floor
Why Choose GS Renovation in High Wycombe
A chimney breast removal is a small structural job with a large downside if the stack above is left unsupported. We appoint the structural engineer, build to whether they call for gallows brackets or a steel beam, and never make that decision ourselves. The building control application for a High Wycombe address goes to Buckinghamshire Council's own building control service, and we make it, coordinate the inspections and hand you the certificate at the end. Where a breast has already gone without approval, we can pursue regularisation instead. GS Renovation Ltd is fully insured, registered in England, company number 14611254, and rated 4.9 from 31 reviews on MyBuilder.
- Photographs kept at each stage for your records
- Registered in England, Companies House no. 14611254
- Free, no-obligation quotations
- Itemised pricing, so you can see what every stage costs
- Roof, flashing and leadwork made good where a stack comes down
- Gallows brackets fixed only into sound party wall brickwork