mjc55

Depending on what work is required you will need to go through the planning and Building Regs process. Planning would probably come between points 1 & 2 (unless you need to work out if you can afford it in the first place - in which case planning comes after point 4) BR process would come after planning approval.

We need to look into this as I don't particularly want to put a stack through the roof. I had thought of AAV's on our en-suite and the bathroom. We will have a separate "pod" that will have toilet in, approx 20-30m from main house. Will be on same foul drain - different branch (which will be all on our land - no other connections) as main house. Will this suffice I wonder?

Resurrecting this thread. Just going through the process for quotes from Electricity (Scottish & Southern) and water (Wessex Water). The road (Lane) outside our plot is relatively narrow but is definitely two way (around 6m ish) so enough room, I think, for temporary traffic lights. We are,however, very rural and plenty of large tractors pass directly along lane. I don't know if this will be an issue or not. I will talk to farmer when I know more. I am interested in your statement re ducting. The quote from S&S specifically states that in the road that "cable to be laid in open trench, no ducting". I'm wondering if this is a S&S condition. It would certainly preclude laying ducting if we got water connection initially. We also have a ditch running along the front of the property, I am going to get some levels as soon as I can but it might mean that electricity supply might need to be a tad deeper. The S&S quote includes a total of £4985 (of £8370 - so about 60% of costs) for crossing the road. The WW quote is a total of £5840 but doesn't break down costs so don't know what percentage of this is for digging a trench etc. They also state that the cost includes a "council road closure" at a cost of £2056. (i.e. not traffic ights). I did meet a WW person on site earlier this year so they have seen road situation, S&S has not been on site (as far as I am aware). I will try and organise for both to happen at same time to save costs, how realistic this is questionable. The WW person that I met said that "Dorset council don't allow this" not sure that makes sense to be honest. Anyone else in Dorset been through this and can relate their story? Thanks as usual.

It's strange reading this thread, it both chimes and doesn't with my experience. That maybe the difference between applications for extensions and those for new builds. It makes me think that maybe these two processes could/should be separated! After all they are very different sides of the same coin. I spent 10 years or so working as an AT in Wiltshire putting in lots of applications for extensions to houses, I never once had an application rejected and can't remember many taking more than the statutory 8 weeks to go through the process. I am now going through the application process to build a new house for ourselves, in Dorset, and it is a world away from my previous experience with planning departments. It has taken weeks longer than the 8 it should, the PO hadn't even looked at the application until we sent a strong worded email to his supervisor, and once this had been done he passed the application. As regards corruption in the planning process, I am sure it goes on, as it does in all walks of life, can't see that there is much that can be done about this though.

So pleased for you, it must have been such a worry while you were trying to sort out. Fair play to the CIL department as well, the stuff that I read on here seems to indicate that they are a fairly unforgiving bunce.

Exactly, I think this has been clear in what you originally posted, unfortunately others seem to have not read the thread and therefore answered something that has not been asked!

I think it is rather naive of anyone thinking that this is anything other than the builder not declaring to save money. At least given what the original poster said.

you would be correct in your assumption! He pays £1200 but gets £200 back from revenue - cost £1000 You give him £1200 £200 profit to him.

Thanks @Alan Ambrose understand where you are coming from but as @SBMS says, I think that the gist of it is that the planning officer has discussed with his superior does suggest that this should be OK. I will, of course await the official approval before being 100% convinced.

Would second @joe90 view to be honest. I worked as a AT for about 10 years or so in Wiltshire, all relatively minor stuff I admit, and not once did I think that decisions were made other than on merit. Obviously there were times when some negotiation was required and odd times when officers thought processes could be questioned. I actually put that down to overwork to be honest most of the time. Now, obviously there is a world of difference between an application to extend and one for a housing estate, and obviously a lot more money involved in the latter. In those instances it is difficult to comment to be honest other than to say that are obviously bad-apples in all walks of life and I am sure planning is not immune to this.

Success!!!!!! I wrote a stiff letter to the planning officer's manager yesterday as I know he had a meeting with her planned for tomorrow. Got a phone call from the planning consultant this afternoon to say that they are passing the plans. So excited! I have to admit to being a bit downcast the last few days, this really has cheered us up. We can now press ahead with getting the utilities onto site as I know that this can take a little time. 2025 is going to be a very busy year!

This is very moot. I am sure it is not always the case but I would be wary of the valuation.

Yes, we plan to do 6 rows for each pour on ours!

Have a look here - this is the ecobrick site. I will be using them for our build, be careful however - this build method does raise some hackles on here! 🫣

you can also get covers for the 110mm drains, would be a pain if they got blocked.