When I applied for planning permission for a couple of one bed flats where my workshop is, it was refused on the grounds that the local authority have a policy of not allowing one bedrooom properties or conversion to one bed flats as they want to make it a more family orientated area. I changed my plans to a three bed house and I got permission. One of the things I had to do to get it was to make sure the stonework above the upper windows, the front door and the actual bay had to mirror adjoining properties. Fair enough.
Not 100 yards from me, a tiny one bedroom house has gone up on what used to be a garage that adheres to none of that. If you look closely, you will see that it’s about 2” away from the adjoining property although the roof appears to be connected. I was looking at it and the builder came out, an Asian chap, and I got talking to him. He let me look inside - it was tiny! I asked him why it wasn’t connected and he said that it’s easier that way as if it’s connected, you have to spend a lot of money on sound insulation. Is that right? I don’t even think it’s got a rear garden - the rear gutter is connected to the front gutter. Anyway, out of curiosity, I looked up the plans on the local authority web site and it is just not on there so I’m assuming it hasn’t got planning approval or building regs approval. For example, how would you know that the foundations are correct if it’s not been checked at every stage? Can you do that and if not, what is likely to happen - can the local authority make you take it down?
Not 100 yards from me, a tiny one bedroom house has gone up on what used to be a garage that adheres to none of that. If you look closely, you will see that it’s about 2” away from the adjoining property although the roof appears to be connected. I was looking at it and the builder came out, an Asian chap, and I got talking to him. He let me look inside - it was tiny! I asked him why it wasn’t connected and he said that it’s easier that way as if it’s connected, you have to spend a lot of money on sound insulation. Is that right? I don’t even think it’s got a rear garden - the rear gutter is connected to the front gutter. Anyway, out of curiosity, I looked up the plans on the local authority web site and it is just not on there so I’m assuming it hasn’t got planning approval or building regs approval. For example, how would you know that the foundations are correct if it’s not been checked at every stage? Can you do that and if not, what is likely to happen - can the local authority make you take it down?
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