Transom window removal - building regs?

Charlwftb

Hi All, 

We have two doors with transom windows above them and we want to remove both and turn the doors into archways. 

I know this isn't particularly difficult from a building perspective but I'm fairly certain both 'walls' are load bearing walls. I know you normally need building regs for removing load bearing walls but as these technically aren't walls and we are still keeping it as a door way do we need them?

Essentially: What do I need to do to turn a door with a transom window into an archway without one. (From a rules and reg perspective/not a physical building one)

Thanks! 

Charlwftb

also perhaps its useful to say we are in a top floor flat in a purpose built block from the 70s.

FreeBear

As long as you are not removing or repositioning any lintels, I wouldn't have thought you'd need to involve Building Control - The changes would purely be cosmetic.

But... Do consider fire safety - If these doors form part of an escape route, then building regs would still apply.

ss2020jd

As @FreeBear mentioned fire regs in a flat would definitely need checking.
Maybe ring and speak to your local building control to get an idea. You don’t have to give any details if it’s just for advice.
This thread deals with a similar issue:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1238323/building-regulations-for-an-archway-i-have-a-bit-of-a-problem-please-help/p1

Charlwftb

Thanks both!