Planning approved a small extension and loft conversion in our bungalow which is well under way (as a long DIY project). I decided that to preserve headroom and bring a 46 year old roof up to modern spec, I would 'warm roof' the insulation. Building control are happy to do this as an 'on site minor amendment' or whatever the term is, basically no big deal. Of course this raises the ridge height a few inches which, being in a conservation area, requires planning permission. No problem, rules is rules.
We have just been granted planning permission, great, subject to one condition: 'That samples of the tiles to be used in the covering of the roof of the extension shall be submitted to and approved in writing' etc, etc.
That may sound straightforward, however I have two issues. One, details of tiles are clearly stated on both the original extension application and the subsequent application for the 'warm roof'. This forms part of the application which has been approved and paid for. If I deviated from this then I would not be surprised if I then found myself in trouble with planning. Secondly, on ringing the planning department, I was told that it's not their fault, it's the government, and although there was no mention of it in the paperwork, a further £25 fee is payable to approve this condition!
Surely I am being charged extra for something that is clearly part of both previous 'granted' applications, and had I not applied for the warm roof, the extension was going ahead anyway with no mention of approving tiles. Is this not a retrospective charge that has little to do with the current application to which it has been attached?
For the sake of clarity we are talking about ordinary brown concrete tiles, still commonly available from any merchant. We are re-using as many as possible from the existing roof, and where new are needed they will be on the back out of sight, eventually weathering to match the existing.
It's not a question of 25 quid and it's done and dusted. The council have already had nearly £1300 from us, it seems like they can just make it up as they see fit, and blame it on the government. Question is, am I being fleeced or just having a bad day!!
Thanks chaps.
We have just been granted planning permission, great, subject to one condition: 'That samples of the tiles to be used in the covering of the roof of the extension shall be submitted to and approved in writing' etc, etc.
That may sound straightforward, however I have two issues. One, details of tiles are clearly stated on both the original extension application and the subsequent application for the 'warm roof'. This forms part of the application which has been approved and paid for. If I deviated from this then I would not be surprised if I then found myself in trouble with planning. Secondly, on ringing the planning department, I was told that it's not their fault, it's the government, and although there was no mention of it in the paperwork, a further £25 fee is payable to approve this condition!
Surely I am being charged extra for something that is clearly part of both previous 'granted' applications, and had I not applied for the warm roof, the extension was going ahead anyway with no mention of approving tiles. Is this not a retrospective charge that has little to do with the current application to which it has been attached?
For the sake of clarity we are talking about ordinary brown concrete tiles, still commonly available from any merchant. We are re-using as many as possible from the existing roof, and where new are needed they will be on the back out of sight, eventually weathering to match the existing.
It's not a question of 25 quid and it's done and dusted. The council have already had nearly £1300 from us, it seems like they can just make it up as they see fit, and blame it on the government. Question is, am I being fleeced or just having a bad day!!
Thanks chaps.