Proper way of getting permission for knocking down of wall?

shimano

We completed 1 month ago, whole flat is being renovated and is nearly done (Phase 1, new kitchen, full rewire, full replaster, new oak flooring etc)

Phase 2 we want to kick off in the new year, which is basically trying to knock down a wall between an airing cupboard and bathroom, to create a bigger bathroom with w/c in it (the w/c is in a seperate room, which we will change to a nice cupboard). We cannot knock down the wall between the w/c and bathroom as it is key structural wall.

I spoke to the management company (resident's one) director and he says I need it surveyed before knocking down.

What is the proper processes to go about to get this done?

A) Survey/Architect?
Planning Permission?

Doozergirl

a) You need a structural engineer. They will tell you whether it is structural or not. If it is structural then they will produce a report for you telling you the specification of the work that needs doing to keep the structure sound. If it isn't structural then presumably you will need a letter to give to the managing company. A report will cost you probably somewhere in the region of £250 +VAT. A letter that doesn't involved the time spent doing calculations, more like £75 + VAT. There is a website; if you google 'find an engineer' you should find it - it specifically lists structural engineers so you can find one in your area.

b) it will not need planning permission at all, not unless it is a listed building, in which case it needs Listed Building Consent which is a little different from PP.

If it is a structural wall, then it will need Building Control Approval. They assess the quality of major building works. You contact Building Control at your local council, pay a fee and they will inspect your structural engineer's calculations and the work you have doen to see that they concur.

If it isn't structural, then you can simply knock it out. No planning permission, no building control approval required at all.

mustrum_ridcully

One thing you haven't mentioned is whether these flats are a newbuild/purpose built or a conversion.

The reason I ask is if it's an oldish conversion it may have been shoddily done and partition walls are load bearing (even though they shouldn't be). There might even be a need to investigate what is going on in the flats above/below (I hope with the oak flooring you're a ground floor flat or have done a thorough job of doing the sound insulation).

shimano

Thanks for the info guys

It's purpose built. We have the original architect plans and on the wall in question is thinner in drawing than the other walls we are sure are structural.

Found a company through findaengineer - they are coming tomorrow

Thanks again