Freeholders going behind our back to extend block

martindow

Hoploz wrote: »

I would add though that this is going to be a massive investment. It will be difficult to build two further storeys on top of two, so there is going to be a lot of reinforcement work as well as the usual build costs

Agree with this. Unless it was built originally with a view to being able to add an additional couple of storeys later the structure and foundations may well be inadequate.

Would it be practicable to do this building work with people living in the existing flats - presumably a leaseholder has some protection against being forced out or living in intolerable conditions during building work?

moneyistooshorttomention

Valid points in posts 11 and 12.

Sounds like it might be worth looking into getting some sort of "official" report about the state of the building and whether it would stand up to an extra storey or two on top of it.

Would that be something for a surveyor? or structural engineer?

Hoploz

That would be something the freeholder will have to do alongside their application to building control. If it gets that far. There are many ifs and buts before this gets built.

I can understand it might be a go-er to build more levels on top of a huge block already 6 storeys high or something, but I think it's unlikely something built to hold only two storeys will be suitable for doubling without a whole lot of work.

moneyistooshorttomention

I'd be inclined to employ my own person to survey the place and tell me accordingly personally - rather than rely on the one the freeholders might/are likely to employ. Wouldnt have thought it would cost that much? Maybe in the £100-£200 mark? Money well spent imo.

lincroft1710

The planning application will only fall on 2 points - development out of character with other neighbouring buildings or structural aspects of foundations/proposed foundations or adding to existing building. There is a possibility of a 3rd - off street parking.

marksoton

And i'll bet my man bits those footings are not adequate.

Ask for third party verified cube tests as to the concrete used. Because they did those didn't they...? ...Oh dear...

Hoploz

I don't think planners consider structural issues. They just say whether they would allow it. How it's done is not up to them. It'll come down to whether the developer considers it financially viable once they find out what needs doing. The planning application could be purely speculative at this stage.