Harringay online

Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Advice re possibly unsafe flat conversion

Does anyone know if it is legal and safe to add a second kitchen and toilet within a maisonette?

The house was converted 27 years ago into that one maisonette ( ground and first floor) and two flats on the 2nd and third floor with three separate leases.

The maisonette has also had a door added within it separating its ground and first floor to make the first floor self-contained with its own kitchen and bathroom.
The owner of the maisonette has tenants living in that 'new' self-contained flat, so they enter that via the main door to the house (which also gives access to the second and third floor flats), then through the door to the maisonette, then through the new door to the 'self-contained flat.
There is no separate address for that within the maisonette.

Views: 582

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JJ B on August 29, 2022 at 15:54

The best thing to do is to 'raise a query' with Haringey Council or your councillor. This can be done via the planning enforcement portal. They say "the council will protect the identity of complainants as much as possible". 

Conversions are covered by various policies including national legislation, the London plan, as well as Haringey's Devolpment Management DPD - see e.g. policy DM16

Even if such mods are permitted develoment, the owner may be required to obtain "prior approval" and inform certain bodies as there are other implications - adding rooms, bathrooms and kitchens can affect the rateable value and thus the council tax bands and so too water rates if there is  no meter. So Thames Water may also want to know.  It could also change the property into an HMO which, in Haringey requires a licence and as such must meet certain standards...

So from what you've written things aren't clear cut. It's best to let the Council know...

Permalink Reply by elfi jenkins on September 17, 2022 at 18:47

Thank you JJ B for your advice! I have passed it on to the friend affected, who is very grateful. The rateable value/council tax and  water rates aspect had not even crossed my mind!

Permalink Reply by pamish on August 29, 2022 at 19:41

Conversion to create a new dwelling will mean things like fire doors and extra fireproofing between floors etc.  Drains must go to existing separate sewers.

If you put the address into the LBH Planning portal it will find any plans submitted.
http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/Applica... 

What you have described sounds like it needs permission. It would need to be restored to its original state if it's illegal. Tough luck for those trying to dodge basic safety regs.

Permalink Reply by elfi jenkins on September 17, 2022 at 18:52

Thank you pamish for the info! I have passed it on to the friend affected who is pretty sure there is no extra fireproofing and is going to investigate via the planning portal as you suggest.

RSS

Advertising

© 2024   Created by Hugh.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service