Berkshire_selfbuild

Thanks all for the comments and the education. I have some questions to run by my designer/supplier/installer, however I now have some confidence that they are trying to right by me by not over specifying the unit and using data that is realistic. All these figures and calculations etc go right over my head, so I’m glad to have you bright people to run these things through with. Thank you 😀

Far and few between. I would say maybe only 2 days like that over the past year.

I noticed this too. I Will query this as we are definitely having 130mm insulation above the beam and block floor.

Thank for the comments. I’ll query the points raised and also find out the exact model. I’m addition, the installer mentioned following - “If we were to apply the true efficiency at best case scenario we would be looking for a unit around the 3.7kw output range (the 3.5kw arotherm is the same as the 5kw just restricted via software). We would be proposing a 5kw Vaillant Arotherm Plus with adequate water volume to make the oversizing factor irrelevant to any oversizing negatives”.

Hi All, I have recently received my heat loss calculations from my local ASHP/UFH installer. It’s for my new build which is currently under construction. I’m not really going above a beyond building regs when it comes to insulation/glazing etc however will have MVHR. Heat loss shows 5kw heat loss and they are proposing a 5kw Vaillant Arotherm plus. Property is 387sqm of which 39sqm is the garage and this element has not been used for the heat loss calcs as is not heated. Please see details attached, I would appreciate any comments and whether the proposed heat loss with proposed ASHP looks about right? Thanks!

Thanks all for your advice. I’m taking away with confidence that I should be fine without the need to get LPA involved. As mentioned, the items can be installed up against far wall and still allow parking of 2 cars, especially as the LPA have not specified sizing of cars etc - could easily fit many smarts cars in there! Cheers.

Hi all. My self build is progressing well - at 2nd lift wall plate stage. It occurred to me that I have a planning condition to ensure the garage is used as per plans for 2 cars, along side 2 further parking spaces on the drive. I wanted to use part of the garage as a ‘plant area’ to house water cylinder, water softener, Solar PV Batteries etc, which would mean that the garage would only have space for 1 car. I do however have space for at least 4-5 cars on the driveway comfortably (ignoring the grass areas). I have shown red highlight for areas on plans for parking as it currently stands. Below is the planning condition. Should I email the LPA for permission to reduce parking in garage? Or could that open up a can of worms? Would BC use their own judgement do final sign off knowing that there is plentiful parking on the driveway? Thanks! 😀 ‘…the garage accommodation on the site identified on the approved plans shall be kept available for the parking of vehicles ancillary to the residential use of the site at all times. It shall not be used for any business nor as habitable space. Reason: To ensure that adequate parking space is available on the site, so as to reduce the likelihood of roadside parking…’

Thanks so much for this. I think I’ve been fixated for a while on having the same number of bathrooms as bedrooms but I need to let go and make best use of the space and situation by keeping it simple and having something similar to what you have mentioned. Thanks!

Thanks yes I think this will the path of least resistance and in essence gives us what we want - either Jack and Jill via both bedrooms or via bedroom and hallway. Thanks 😎🔥

Thanks all for your super helpful comments. Our main driver for another ensuite was to provide both our kids with an ensuite. As some of you have mentioned, Jack and Jill set up might work. To avoid making any window changes, I could leave it as 5 bed and 4 bathrooms but do the jack and Jill to the main bathroom via the bedroom and landing. Therefore it will just be the 1 bedroom which does not have ensuite access and they would have access to bathroom via landing.

There would be a ground floor WC. Otherwise all showers will be via bedroom.

Yes fair point. Non-material amendment would be sensible. Now that you mention it, yes is it missing an ‘l’!! Can’t believe I never noticed that. Will see if I can update it! 🫣 (Done.. Admin)

Hi all. Firstly, I’m super proud to say that we have reached 1st floor joist level and currently building up to 2nd floor - progress is accelerating! On to my dilemma. We are having 4 bedrooms on 1st floor with 2 en-suites and 1 family bathroom as per following: I’m now thinking of modifying the layout so it resembles the below which will give us 4 en-suites: Note: entrance from bathroom show via landing but can be via bedroom 4. This will give us all bedrooms with en-suite (bedroom 5 with en-suite is on 2nd floor). Reason for this is that I believe it may increase GDV, increase future saleability, make better use of space and minimal extra cost. My only negative is that the rear end will go from this: To this: As I’m not adding in new window panels or making the windows bigger, I should be able to make this change without going through planning. Although I’m not happy with the way the window configuration looks from the rear, I think I’m happier with the extra en-suite, and the way it looks from the rear may not bother me too much. I’m hoping you amazing lot may help me decide if it’s worth while making this change, or should I just stick with what I’ve got in the plans? I’ll be up to the hight requiring making the decision next week!

My case is pretty much all covered in the topic which you have mentioned in your initial post. Thankfully got resolved on the technicality of me not receiving CIL Liability form in the post. ET Planning was helpful to talk to and did me a favour to speaking to my LA which probably helped my case. In the background I had written to the local MP, as recommended by the members on this forum, who had actually drafted up a response ready to be sent to the council to urge them to apply discretion. I would strongly suggest writing to your local MP detailing your case. As well as writing to the council CEO and senior council staff.

Having gone through a CIL scare recently myself, I sympathise with your position and have my fingers crossed that you get over the other side with minimal financial and emotional damage. During my issue, I was in contact with a local planning consultant. Dealt with a gent called Derek who was super helpful and spoke with the LA for me and played a part in getting me out of trouble. May be worth getting in touch with them: www.etplanning.co.uk