Building Regulations for Kitchens (2025 Update)
When planning a new kitchen or undertaking significant refurbishment work, it’s important to understand how UK building regulations may apply. While not every kitchen project requires approval, some changes — especially those involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or ventilation work — do fall under Building Regulations.
This guide covers the most up-to-date (2025) requirements for England. Regulations differ slightly in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, so always check regional guidance if you live outside England.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a New Kitchen?
The good news: most kitchen refurbishments do not require planning permission.
Planning permission is only typically required if:
- The kitchen is part of a home extension.
- You live in a listed building.
- Changes will significantly alter the exterior of the property (e.g., new windows or doors in different positions).
If your home is listed, you must contact your local authority before making any interior or structural changes, including kitchen installation.
Planning permission and Building Regulations are not the same, and many kitchen projects fall under the latter even when planning permission is not needed.
Do You Need Building Regulations Approval for a New Kitchen?
If your new kitchen is replacing an existing one in the same location, you typically do not need to notify building control.
However, approval may be required if you:
- Install a kitchen in a room that wasn’t previously a kitchen.
- Make structural changes, such as removing load-bearing walls.
- Carry out new electrical work (especially in special locations).
- Install or alter drainage or plumbing.
- Make changes affecting ventilation, fire safety, or access.
Below are the most common Building Regulations relevant to kitchen projects.
Key Building Regulations That Affect Kitchens (2025)
1. Ventilation (Approved Document F)
Adequate ventilation is essential to remove moisture, odours, and cooking fumes.
Requirements include:
- A cooker hood or extractor fan must provide mechanical ventilation.
- Minimum extraction rate of:
- 30 l/s for a hood above a hob
- 60 l/s for a fan mounted elsewhere in the room
- 30 l/s for a hood above a hob
- Recirculating fans do not meet Building Regs for new kitchens installed in non-kitchen rooms.
2. Electrical Safety (Approved Document P)
Electrical work in kitchens is controlled due to increased risk.
You’ll need Building Control approval for:
- New circuits
- Consumer unit upgrades
- Wiring changes in "special locations" (near sinks)
All electrical work must be carried out or signed off by a registered Part P electrician.
3. Fire Safety (Approved Document B)
Fire safety considerations for kitchens include:
- Proper placement of hob (e.g., not directly under windows or close to flammable surfaces)
- Fire-resistant materials in key areas
- Safe routing of ducting for extractor fans
- Considering fire doors when kitchens are part of open-plan layouts
If structural alterations are involved (e.g., removing walls), fire protection measures may be required.
4. Drainage & Plumbing (Approved Document H)
You may need approval if:
- You install new waste connections
- You move sinks significantly from existing pipework
- You reroute soil or waste pipes
All drainage should have correct fall, venting, and access for cleaning.
5. Gas Safety (Gas Safe Regulations)
Any work involving gas appliances — boilers, cookers, or hobs — must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
This includes:
- New installations
- Relocating appliances
- Adjusting pipework
Installing a Kitchen in a New Room
If you're fitting a kitchen in a space that has never been used as a kitchen, Building Regulations will apply.
You must consider:
- Adequate ventilation
- Proper drainage & plumbing connections
- Correct electrical installation
- Fire safety compliance
- Structural suitability (particularly if installing heavy units or stone worktops)
It’s strongly recommended to contact building control before starting, as they will clarify what needs approval.
When in Doubt — Contact Building Control
Building Control can confirm whether your project needs approval and what parts of the regulations apply.
This is especially important for:
- Listed buildings
- Conversions (lofts, garages, outbuildings)
- Major layout changes
- Open-plan redesigns
Need Kitchen Fitter or Designer Quotes?
If you want to compare quotes from local kitchen fitters for design, supply-and-fit, refurbishment, or complete renovation, you can use our free service to Find a Kitchen Fitter and get multiple quotes from trusted tradespeople.
