simplepimple

Thanks Temp ~ I have already paid the invoice so it's probably too late now however I have asked and will see what they say.

Thanks newhome ~ that's a great point of view. I shall prepare and send something to the Highways Dept and see what happens. Definitely worth a try.

Thanks nod - I wasn't sure so thought it was worth asking at £260 a pop! Apparently they don't give receipts either - though I have my invoice and the post has moved so I've obviously paid.

Not sure I've posted in the correct topic however maybe someone will know the answer to my query. Had to request a streetlight relocation to allow enough room for the driveway of my new build. Would paying VAT on the cost be correct or would it be VAT exempt?

Thank you everyone who has taken the time to comment - I really appreciate your help and it all played a large part in me being able to say the correct things to him. I've finally got an invoice without the vat added - I sent him a copy of my planning approval. So amazing to have BuildHub with it's amazing forumites offering great advice to us not-knowers-but-we're-learning. ?

Thank you newhome for your very useful advice - he is saying he needs a Zero VAT number in order to amend my invoice.

Thanks recoveringbuilder - and really then he would probably be aware of that. ?

My contractor is just about to start my driveway and that of the host house who's garden my house is now in. (paying for their driveway is included in my planning approval) Am I correct in thinking I don't pay VAT on his quote - I've looked at the reclaim info pack (haven't been able to get hold of them by phone) and it says they won't refund tax on things that you shouldn't have paid tax on in the first place.

Lots of time then @NickK for planning. There can never be enough planning. Self build was the only way I could afford mine but they are certainly addictive and I'd love to to another one in the next couple of years - partly to rectify some of the unplanned slip ups on this one. There was probably only 4 x in total that I wished I hadn't started a self build. Day 1 of the build was the first one for some strange reason. Pretty scary that day. I know I wouldn't be here at all without the build hubbers to help me on my way. You're in safe hands. ?

Thanks for that idea Pete - my gravel was going to be the 20mm type but it was still a no from the team at Highways. At least I have time to consider all options - there's currently a lampost almost bang in the middle of the entrance that requires relocation. Pretty sure that's not happening soon. ?

Great website Mr P - thank you.

It's a cul-de-sac 30 mph though it's only a few houses with a bend midway along so it would be fairly difficult to reach 30 mph before you hit the junction at the end.

I did say that was how it was going to be done but Highways didn't like that suggestion and have said no.

Semi permeable was listed as the surface for driveways by the Council which is why I felt gravel might be best - but obviously not for the first 5m. If only I was in Kent - they have a cheap stone that's a lot larger than 20ml so it doesn't drift onto the highway or into your house on shoes. Maybe concrete would be an option - ugly though it is.

Exactly right Peter - although my driveway is quite small - only 2.7 m wide at the narrowest point and 12.5 m long so I was thinking of using the same material for it all but perhaps thinking more creatively and having two surfaces could be a better idea. Though the land does slope up slightly as it moves away from the road.

A quick update. Retrospective planning for the upper window & not having larch cladding has been approved. Yay! Reading the neighbourly complaints on the planning portal was pretty brutal though. Apparently I'm a stupid superficial developer in cahoots with my architect. Nice. My plan is to claim the cost of the retro planning from my architect (I've spoken to RIBA for guidance on this) but will wait until the driveway condition has been discharged.

Hi Buildhubbers I had planned on using gravel as the most cost effective driveway but planners have said no & that the driveway needs to be a bound surface - I'm not sure what this means? Paved perhaps? Any ideas regarding the second cheapest option that might be suitable?

So nice that BuildHub is the forum that keeps on giving - and potentially - saving. Thanks @ProDave. I need to do them all - think the dust might have settled enough now.

My builder didn't like the open end..... <thinks about where to find some kittens>

?

I think there was a certain amount of luck - but also a lot of pre planning so that services we coming to site at the right time etc. On a separate note I spoke to RIBA about my architect causing the problem with the window - they were very supportive so am hoping I can claim for the cost of retrospective planning for the window he omitted to put on the original plan.

It was this year - and the builders didn't work every day either - a few hold ups along the way - probably 42 days in total for the actual build - had to wait for kitchen delivery but it is timber frame so thats quicker. Buying the plot took 12 months though!

Photos as requested - I'll do outside at some point even though it looks more like a car park than a garden. Painting still to be completed & carpeting. No fence as yet either so I feel a bit goldfishy... but I'm here which is the main thing. Was a little worried we might get locked down before I could lock myself in! Bear in mind I had budget constraints - so for example - was unable to tile the whole shower room. Some minor glitches like getting the dishwasher door on, squeezing the fridge/freezer in (all my wrong doing) & not realising I did actually have room for 80cm high wall units. I guess this is why people want to do another one!

Moved in today - not quite finished but not bad for a start date of 8 Jan. Time to put my feet up. ? @Ferdinand - the sun & light is beautiful. Thank you.

Anything remotely hairy will be undertaken in the downstairs bathroom - with the approved window at the back - no one can see that one. I'm also planning on having a venetian blind to ensure everyone is safe from any inadvertent views.