Building regs questions RE: 30m2

[Steve2381]

I have just been to look at a MASSIVE garden building that a client has built.
He says it is under permitted development because the 4 different sections of the building are under the 30m2 rule (and far enough off the boundary etc).
The only thing that links them all is the pitched roof and concrete base.

Firstly... is it 30m2 as a total you are allowed under permitted development or 30m2 per building? I can't find a definitive answer.
He has acres of garden, so he is no-where near the 50% rule.

Secondly, surely the minute he 'linked' those buildings together with a roof they became one?

Thanks all

 

[rxbren]

sure its 30m2 in total although you could just ask a query with building control

 

[JohnD]

?Planning permission?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes I t would agree that if linked under one roof it would be classed as one building. Why does it matter though?

 

[Steve2381]

Well I have been out to look at this disaster of a building in a private garden.
They have built a massive timber building that is starting to collapse under its own weight (bad design and heavy roof tiles).

Its basically four 28m2 buildings, linked by one roof on a common concrete slab.
They want to put a boiler in there, full electrics etc. No sleeping accom, so I think it misses planning due to that.

But.. she reckons it doesn't need building regs due to the fact that its within permitted building allowance.

She must be assuming that each 28m2 building is under the permitted 30m2 max and therefore complies.

So... she needs building regs (and my God will it fail that)

 

[Steve2381]

Just checked with the local council.... building regs apply.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If it is genuinely 'starting to collapse’ then one could be forgiven for contacting the appropriate people ….

Structure (or lack of a proper one) is one of the few items that BC will take action against.

Some people need to be saved from themselves.

 

[Steve2381]

Well I have propped the ridge with acro-props for now.
They have built a huge timber structure with a vaulted ceiling.
No joists, no tension ties.... pretty much nothing stopping the walls spreading.
Then piled a ton of concrete tiles onto it. Some walls are 8" outward leaning at the top.

Bloody cowboys

 

[rxbren]

if she believes it doesnt need building regs Id be wary that she might be a nightmare to do work for