WillAE

I have fire rated doors into the bedroom itself, but the stairway is open so I guess that doesn't help?

I've had an extension and renovation done, all the work is now complete and building control have one final thing to approve before I get sign-off... I have a double garage with a bedroom above. In the bedroom there are several velux windows on either side, however on one side of the room (due to a neighbour concerned about "overlooking" at planning stage) they are all obscured. According to the planning officers decision "The velux windows on the drawing of the west elevation of the approved side extension shall be non-opening and permanently glazed in obscure/translucent glass." which they currently are. I have since had building control come and visit and they tell me the bottom of the top-hung, exit window, is too high off the ground as per regs. (https://buildsafe.co.uk/building-regulation-for-windows-in-bedrooms/#:~:text=The minimum opening width should,step to meet this condition.) and therefore they tell me I need to build a step, or change the window to a larger/longer one. The problem is that where the current top hung exit window is, would mean putting a step in the middle of the room... therefore building control suggested that I move the top hung window to the other side of the room (where they are obscured) and put the step there - a much more suitable position. I have since tried to get clarification from building control whether this would be OK from a planning perspective (given those windows are supposed to be non-opening) and I was told that "building control cannot offer advice on planning". So that's what brings me here. What would you advise? Do I just go with what building control recommend in order to get sign-off, or do I need to tread carefully? Thanks

Hi, just introducing myself as a new member. I'm a keen DIY'er and have also managed an extension/full renovation of my bungalow. I'm here now for advice on building control, next post coming soon.