Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Retroactive planning permission for a simple loft conversion - your tips are needed!
HI All,
I am exploring how to get a retroactive planning permission for a loft convertion wich was done without. The strutural engineer report suggests that, although the loft is solid, there is some work to be done to comply with planning regulations and pass the building control approval.
I would greatly appreciate your view on:
1) What is harringay council attitude towards loft conversions and retroactive planning permissions (the convertion was carried out by means of a rear roof light)?
2) Do I need an architect or a structural engineer to prepare the retroactive planning permission application?
3) Have you got any suggestion for a reliable architect/structural engineer (depending who I should contact) that can do the job quickly and with reasonable cost for me to get a quote?
Many thanks in advance for any tips on this.
Candida
Tags for Forum Posts: loft conversion
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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As I understand it, after 4 years all that is required is for the planning permission to be formalised. You need to apply for a certificate of lawfulness. If building work has been unchallenged after 4 years, it cannot be enforced against. Google "planning 4 year rule". You may, however, still want to get things checked over from a safety point of view.
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Permalink Reply by Milda Rami on
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Yes, but should they want to sell, potential buyer will be put off as the conversion would not have been signed off by building regs. Especially if survey came up with issues.
Sorry I'm not much help. And I cannot recommend our structural engineer who has been a total nightmare, unfortunately. On the other hand, staff at the Haringey building control have been really helpful, you might consider ringing them up.
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Permalink Reply by Newyork on
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Correct, moreover whilst the structure cannot be "demolished" meaning the council cannot do anything, by the law the loft is not a "living" space:
http://www.planning-applications.co.uk/enforcement1b.htm
Thanks Milda for your tip on Haringay building control. It is reassuring, I genuinely would like to put things right.
Everyone,
if you have any tips on suitable architects or structural engineers please let me know.
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Permalink Reply by 3vghqm3x83ls1 on
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Hi,
I am an architect and can offer a few tips:
Planning approval will be dependent on your property whether it is a whole house or a flat. Houses can utilise permitted development rights flats / maisonettes can not. As Hugh noted regardless this will no longer be required as you have passed the four year period in which the council can enforce and will therefore not require retrospective planning approval.
Your issues relate to the need to gain building control approval. This as noted by Milda will be needed when you come to sell the property. There are a number of criteria which you will need to achieve however usual issues relate to:
a. fire door and fire rated partitioning to the loft area ensuring sufficient fire protection and means of escape.
b. staircase achieves requirements.
c. sufficient head height provided.
d. loft insulated to achieve requirements.
e. structurally sound - may need to open up areas and carry out intrusive survey to check what was constructed.
Realistically the best start would be to speak with building control and get them to pop over to see where the issues may be and then act upon these. This may require a structural engineer an architect, builder or a combination of all three dependent on the work required.
Hope this helps.
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