Checklist for Removing a Load Bearing Wall
DATE
13 June 2026
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If you’re removing a load bearing wall in your property, it may quite possibly be the first and last time you have to work with builders and deal with all the associated paperwork. To help you, we have written a check list of things you need to do when removing a load bearing wall.

Planning permission

In most cases, removing a single load bearing wall will not require planning permission. However, if your project includes additional alterations or extensions, planning permission may be required. For further guidance, refer to the UK Planning Portal.

Listed building consent

If your property is a listed building, you must obtain listed building consent before carrying out any alterations, including internal structural changes. This must be approved by your local planning authority.

Building regulations

Even if planning permission is not required, Building Regulations approval will be needed when removing a load bearing wall.

You can appoint a Building Control Officer through your local council or use a private sector approved inspector.

Building Control ensures that the work complies with Building Regulations and is carried out safely. Simple structural alterations, such as removing a load bearing wall, can often be handled via a Building Notice without the need for full architectural drawings.

For more complex projects, full plans submission with detailed drawings is recommended.

Party Wall etc. Act 1996

If the work affects a shared or adjoining wall (a “party wall”), you may need to comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This can include serving notice to your neighbour and agreeing formal arrangements before work begins. Further information is available via the UK Government guidance on the Party Wall Act.

Appointing a structural engineer

For straightforward domestic openings, services such as EngDesignTech.co.uk can provide suitable steel beam calculation reports.

For more complex structures, unusual loading conditions, or non-standard properties, you may need to appoint a qualified structural engineer to provide a full bespoke design. Building Control may also request an engineer’s report as part of the approval process.

Appointing a builder

It is important to appoint a competent and experienced builder for any structural alteration work. Independent guidance on selecting a builder is available from Citizens Advice.

There may be additional considerations depending on your specific project, so it is always advisable to seek appropriate professional advice where necessary. If you require steel beam calculation reports, EngDesignTech.co.uk is available to support straightforward domestic structural projects.

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