Loft conversion - Open stairway

[Inga]

Hi,

I’m planning a loft conversion for a standard two storey dwelling; ground floor, first floor plus loft.

The loft will be divided into 2 parts; one bedroom, and an open space which we will use as a study.
I accept that the study cannot be declared as a bedroom as per our current plan. We’re fine with that.

Reading Approved Document B I understand the need for a protected stairway.

My question is:
When is a space too big to be accepted as a Landing?

I don’t really want to block off the study with another wall & door.

Thank you.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

To play devil's advocate for a moment, what's to stop the next occupier from using that space as a bedroom?

 

[Inga]

A) We're doing the conversion for us, not for anybody else.
B) The next occupier can add a wall and get the house registered as a 4 bedroom house... I won't be stopping them.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Sure, but the next owner will likely be none the wiser or not care and BC will likely see it that way too.

 

[^woody^]

A landing can be as big as you like, but a landing is not the requirement, a protected route is and one which does not go through another room, or an area that looks like another room to any building inspector.

 

[noseall]

Hi,

I’m planning a loft conversion for a standard two storey dwelling; ground floor, first floor plus loft.

The loft will be divided into 2 parts; one bedroom, and an open space which we will use as a study.
I accept that the study cannot be declared as a bedroom as per our current plan. We’re fine with that.

Reading Approved Document B I understand the need for a protected stairway.

My question is:
When is a space too big to be accepted as a Landing?

I don’t really want to block off the study with another wall & door.

Thank you.

Do those stairs actually work, practically?