Q&As

Hi we live in a house that has been converted into 2 maisonettes. Upstairs has converted the loft without notifying us, including putting in a permanent staircase with no door as fire protection and hasn’t had anyone check what he has done to ensure they meet regulations. We have to have joint buildings insurance which […]

I purchased a house with permission already granted to lop 4 listed trees. On engaging a tree specialist, I discovered that the trees were incorrectly described as 4 sycamores. However, there are 2 limes and 2 sycamores but according to the group listing made in 1973 there should be 5 trees. The L.A. map also […]

I’ve found a plot of land with a dilapidated brick cottage. It has planning permission for an oak frame and SIPs house but i would prefer to build a similar masonry cottage in place of the existing one. Would the planners allow that to go through easily? Or is it best to just stick with […]

I have a 30ish yr old Woolaway bungalow which I believe has a ‘floating foundation’. Obviously a second storey couldn’t be built onto it like that so over the years we have extended out and up. However, I now need a bathroom built into the attic of the original bungalow. So is it possible to […]

We have an orangery built open plan onto the existing kitchen. The base is 75mm concrete over 75mm celotex insulation board. The new floor is to have electric UFH which is to be laid directly on top of the concrete. Then ceramic floor tiles. I’m worried this will not be cost/heat efficient but the builder […]

Are there any laws or rules to ensure that site access remains clear? Our site fronts right onto the road – there is no pavement or verge. We currently have harris fencing along the boundary and open the site as and when needed, but when the house is finished we will have off-road parking outside […]

I am involved with the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for a Parish in SW Devon. Our plan intends to promote Self/Custom builds as we believe that these homes are normally built to a better design with pride and attention to detail and encourages diversity of build. However, when I contacted the Strategic Planning department […]

Our architect failed to identify that 3 trees in close proximity to our planned garage was serious enough to jepodise our planned garage with a room above. Our builders just started to dig the foundations but Building control stopped them and demanded a full engineers report (costing £600) and the engineers specifications will add at […]