Screwed over by local council?

Vetyver

When I decided to convert my 1-bed into a 2-bed by moving the kitchen into the through-lounge, I phoned the local council to ask whether I needed planning permission. I was told I did not, but that I needed to pay £213 for building control to inspect the pipework. They were very insistent about this, and called me several times/left messages to take payment. Feeling harassed, I paid this.

Then I found out from the builder that this is not a legal requirement. I feel gipped that the council insisted it was necessary, but it turns out it's optional. Is it? What rights do I have?

teneighty

Work to relocate a kitchen probably does need Building Regulations approval as the "provision or extension of a controlled service or fitting" is deemed to be a "material alteration" which includes things like drain/waste pipes; extract fan etc.


If it is a flat there may be other requirements as well such as fire precautions and freeholder consent.


Looks like your builder may need keeping an eye on.


Good Luck

zaax

Most defiantly. Messing about with sewers needs all sorts of thing including a certain slope. If your breaking into a public sewer your also have to contact your local water authority who will change at least £1000.
Building over a garage needs fire proofing over the floor / ceiling and will need final certification starting with a structural surveyor.

In other words your going to need an architect.

Vetyver

Hi, am not really doing either of those things though - it's a self-contained flat in a block and, rather unusually, freeholder consent is not needed (this has been checked and confirmed by legal parties). I'm not building over a garage, and no public sewers are being affected.

Builder says he's done tons of these jobs and the council checks are for peace-of-mind only, they are not legally required...?

PasturesNew

They'll issue you with a certificate - which you'll need when you sell it as buyers'll be asking "was the work done to a legal/good standard ... or was this done by Bodgit Bob and his cousin working cash in hand at weekends?"

Vetyver

PasturesNew wrote: »

They'll issue you with a certificate - which you'll need when you sell it as buyers'll be asking "was the work done to a legal/good standard ... or was this done by Bodgit Bob and his cousin working cash in hand at weekends?"

Oh OK! Thank you for clarifying, that makes sense. Right, will get in contact with them to establish what they need before I can get that certificate then!