According to the 2010 Building regs we will have to replace all our lovely original Victorian doors with fire doors in order to provide a protected fire escape to our new loft conversion.
Whilst I appreciate these rules are there to protect us it seems like such a waste to me. We had to jump through hoops to get our planning application approved because it has links with the National Trust (restrictive covenant) and now the rules say we have to rip out the original doors just like that! I really want to explore ways that we can avoid doing this...has anyone contacted their planning officer and been offered an alternative solution? Do local planning officers have the priveledge of relaxing certain requirements in certain circumstances or at least suggest adequate alternatives?
I have looked into the specialised paint but I think the door panels may be too thin. I have been advised that the door looks a mess by the time it is fire resistant anyway
Whilst I appreciate these rules are there to protect us it seems like such a waste to me. We had to jump through hoops to get our planning application approved because it has links with the National Trust (restrictive covenant) and now the rules say we have to rip out the original doors just like that! I really want to explore ways that we can avoid doing this...has anyone contacted their planning officer and been offered an alternative solution? Do local planning officers have the priveledge of relaxing certain requirements in certain circumstances or at least suggest adequate alternatives?
I have looked into the specialised paint but I think the door panels may be too thin. I have been advised that the door looks a mess by the time it is fire resistant anyway