Neighbours want to remove a shared chimney stack

[ThisOneAndThatOne]

Our neighbours are about to start some major extension work including a loft extension.

They want to remove our shared chimney stack ( it's a semi).

I don't really understand why they would want to do this and what the impact would be in for our house.

Any ideas oh wise mumsnetters?

Do you use the chimneys?

No, we don't use the chimney. But,

1. I think it is art of the fundamental look of the house and all of the houses on the road have one

1. We may want to in the future.

So say no. Explain just what you've said here. Speak to the local planning office or check the planning portal to see whether they need planning permission or building regs to do this too.

Say no, make sure they do a party wall and support the stack if they remove their breasts.

Lots of people want original features in houses when you go to sell.

Does the party wall act apply?

Voice, Can they just remove half the stack. Or is it all or nothing?

Ditto, for checking.
We had part of chimney collapse and we had council knocking on our door asking us when we intended to build it back. We said we didn't want to and they said we had no choice and gave us the lowest height they would allow us to build it up to.
We are partly a conservation area but lots of people have white double glazing frames and have added driveways etc.
I would definitely say no, also because it means you'll never be able to use it if you change your mind.
Also, what builder is doing the work, what is their rep like?

Removing chimneys can affect damp levels IIRC, they allow houses to 'breathe' I think.
We're in a Victorian terrace and all the fireplaces/chimney breasts on our dude gave been removed by someone before us. The chimney stack is still on the roof, but just supported on brackets inside the attic.
Our damp is terrible. Could be a coincidence, but I doubt it.

I'd say no.

Dude??? Obv I meant 'on our side'.

Removing a chimney stack will often clear a lot of space, make a room bigger which is probably why they want to do it if they're renovating. What period is your house? That could impact on your resale, for instance if your house if Victorian I'd be quite sad to find out it had no chimneys that could be used in future. I used to live in a Victorian house that had been converted and the chimney stack had been removed from the flat above mine but not in mine .. when I was having my kitchen done the builders found my chimney stack was completely unsupported and I had no choice but to rebuild it fully (Council said we had to). It can have a serious impact on the stability of your house if it's not done properly.

mini A chimney stack is on the outside of the house - the actual chimneys. Inside the house it is a chimney breast. Not being a pedant, but this could really muddle things.

I would say no - you never know if you or future owners would want to have areal fire or wood burner.

We took out a chimney stack with our neighbours' consent. We did it because we wanted to remove the chimney breast and significantly improve the poor layout of our interior redevelopment. Our neighbours agreed because they are likely to do a similar project in future and they were not planning to use their chimney in the meantime. They now have the option to remove their own chimney breast in future without the costs of having to dismantle the stack.

Our houses both have other chimneys which are still in place. Our builder was careful to ensure the chimney breast on their side was properly finished off with enough ventilation. Everything was properly covered by planning consent, party wall agreements and building control.

I would speak to your neighbour to get more information before you decide. I would have been very disappointed if my neighbours had dismissed the idea without fully considering the pros and cons.

Hi there,

Just wondering if you ever gave your neighbours permission and what happened?

Thanks

They would definitely need a party wall act notice and a planning app. You can't object to a party wall notice but its protects you against liability and they pay for it. If you wish to object then the planning app is your opportunity x

The party wall act is total waste of space. You can blatantly ignore it, carry on doing what you fancy and then it is down to the wronged neighbour sueing you. At their initial expense.

Bitter experience. Yup.