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It seems that some councils are saying that the self build exemption from the CIL only applies to new houses and not conversions. This isn't an issue for all conversions because existing floor area can be deducted from the CIL calculation. However if you plan to add a large garage, extension or outbuilding as well then some councils (example Croyden) are trying to hit you with a CIL charge on that extra space. If you find yourself in this position you might find this helpful. Unfortunately you might still need to argue your case as this was settled before it went to court but still... https://www.boyesturner.com/article/boyes-turners-cil-victory-saves-self-builder-client-nearly-80000

Stop press.... Just found this... https://www.boyesturner.com/article/boyes-turners-cil-victory-saves-self-builder-client-nearly-80000 You would need to contact them to get details of the case. I note it was "settled" just before it went to court but even so it might be useful.

This is similar to the trap we used but note the price now! This is for the chrome plated brass cap version. They have cheaper with chrome plated plastic cap. Not sure this is the right size for you though.. https://www.bathroomspareparts.co.uk/vado-metal-turbo-shower-tray-waste-90mm-wg-205241-cp-2643-p.asp We made a fairly large hole in the plywood where the trap was going and arranged the pipes so the trap could be moved about a bit in all directions. The lower part of the trap was fitted to the pipes, then the bedding for the tray was put on the ply, the tray was lowered over the trap and finally the top part of the trap was screwed through the tray into the trap. Several dry runs were required. To clean you pull off the metal cap and lift out short length of "pipe" through the hole that is exposed. The underside of the cap is the bit that gets dirty the most.

If you can't get access from underneath to service the trap/water seal I strongly recommend a top access trap that allows you to do all from above. We got one from Eurobath that has a chrome plated brass "mushroom" cap. However last I looked they were a horrible price. Think they are now owned by Vado.

Also for 50mm hole but only 1.5" pipe.. https://victoriaplum.com/product/50mm-turbo-flow-shower-tray-waste-sw50 https://plumbpal.co.uk/McAlpine/Stw4-r-Showertrap-50mmseal-70mmwaste-grid-cp?page=8

Possibly.. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shower-Tray-Base-Drain-Waste-for-50mm-Hole-Waste-Plug-and-Trap-Dome-Top-5cm-Hole-/251895777403 Doesn't say what make so perhaps get two, one for spares? Edit: Actually this may not be "top access". Looks like the base comes off?

There are loads of special small LED lights for this so no need to use 50mm downlights. Try Amazon or Google for "LED Stair Lights" for examples.

We have 8 external wall lights in a double brick wall. They were 12V each powered by it's own transformer which the makers say could be buried in the ground. So we have a run of SWA with 8 junction boxes and 8 transformers buried in the ground (9 boxes if you count one on the end of the SWA). All professionally installed - I watched/helped as every joint was properly "potted". Worked for a year then water got in. Am now in the process of digging up the transformers and converting the lot to mains LEDs. Right pain and I still don't know if it will solve the problem. If I was doing this again I would avoid a system that needed a transformer per light and either use mains lights or a system that uses one 12V transformer feeding a string of lights all accessible. I would make sure every external circuit was on its own RCBO. You don't want the outside lights tripping out the ground floor ring (fridge, PC, TV?) every time it rains.

Condition 6 should really be two separate conditions. It's a bit of a catch 22 - You can't start until the condition it's discharged but you can't get it discharged in full until the drains have been finished. They will probably only discharge it "in part". I expect you know the fee is "per request to discharge" not "per condition" so it pay to lump together as many conditions into one request as possible. I would suggest sorting out the paperwork for 3, 6, 7 and 9 if possible and ask/pay for those to be discharged in one go. You only need to worry about Condition 1 if there isn't much of the 3 years left. The rest can probably be discharged in a second go before occupation.

Just make sure you put it in the envelope the right way up :-)

There is a thing called LiFi under development. Some work on standards has been done I think.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li-Fi

Perhaps I missed it but did anyone mention cleaning the inside of the solder ring fitting as well as the pipe?

+1 to a new planning application restarting the appeal clock. If you extend under PD think it would be worth getting a Certificate of Lawful development that confirms PP is not required.... Specifically to avoid any claim on their part that you have implemented the PP that is liable for £11k CIL.

Sorry last post has a missing end quote and I cant figure out how to fix it.

The relevant regulation is 40(7).. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2014/9780111106761/regulation/6

Having read some more I agree with PeterW. The self build exemption can be interpreted as only applying to new builds not conversions. Conversions are already "exempt" in that only new floor area should be charged. Looks like you should only be charged on 64-52=12sqm. The <100sqm rule doesn't apply if the conversion creates a dwelling so I think there will be something to pay. No problem. You won't be appealing the decision to refuse a self build exemption you will be appealing the calculation. Have they explained how they arrived at £11,000 ?

I'd say it's not ideal having a 25mm "restriction" in a 50mm pipe but is it actually giving any problems? Is the standing charge higher if you have a 2"/50mm meter ?

They are Inline pressure reducers set to 3 bar at the factory. Something like this without the gauge... https://www.screwfix.com/p/prv-with-gauge-x/41943

Great site for hard landscaping..Check out the site index for "retaining walls". http://pavingexpert.com/featur04.htm Should also check with the manufacturer of the concrete panels.

Bit late to this thread but … We have several small reduction valves on basin taps to reduce splashing. They were all fine when first installed but all started to reduce the flow rate after a year of so. Adjusting them sorted the problem. Not sure if they just age a bit or what. We don't have a lot of scale.

I wonder if the government consulted the DNOs before deciding that we were all switching to electric cars in 2040 (or is it going to be 2030 as some are pressing for)? I've been thinking of installing a charger, even though I don't have an electric car yet, just in case the DNO have to start refusing installations in my village.

Presumably if you installed a <16A array (and they only upgrade you and your neighbour) they could still refuse a G58 later on the grounds that..

We ran a wire from our house to the bottom of their pole for them and ordered a connection. They called me once a week to say they were working on it then suddenly they stopped calling so I rang them only to be told the work was all finished. So I walk down my driveway to the pole (we had been in four weeks by now I think) and the coil of wire we had left for them was still there. The lady says it's definitely all finished and that if it's not working it must be faulty. So I let them send out a fault engineer who insists on testing my line from the master socket (we had fitted). He wouldn't listen to my protest that it wasn't connected at the pole yet. Some minutes go by while he fiddles with some test kit then askes me to show him where I think the problem is. Fortunately he took the embarrassment rather well. He couldn't fix it on the spot as they aren't allowed to climb poles these days without a cherry picker (or so he said) but made a few calls and a crew turned up about a week later.

Are you extending the building? If not then I agree with others. Developments that only involve a change of use are exempt. There is a database of appeal example by the Valuation Office Agency here... https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/community-infrastructure-levy-appeal-decisions#2018 One or two are for change of use.

Be aware that the process for claiming the self build exemption is strict. If you start work before getting _all_ the paperwork done you loose the exemption.