Local Authorities Mandate Plastic Chimneys on New Homes, Raising Costs for Builders

Housebuilders are compelled to install decorative chimneys made of glass-reinforced plastic, adding approximately £1,200 to the cost of each new home. Councils, including Wealden and Mid-Sussex, enforce these requirements to align new constructions with local architectural styles, despite the financial impact on housing affordability.

One major developer reported spending £500,000 on fake chimneys last year. Additionally, some councils mandate real brick chimneys, which are costlier, even as homes increasingly utilize heat pumps. These design expectations contribute to elevated construction costs, potentially limiting the provision of affordable housing amid ongoing inflation and regulatory challenges.