ToughButterCup

Anyone know of a good online resource for accessible door furniture? I've spent ages looking online. And nobody - well no door furniture designer at least - has had anything wrong with their hands. Or suffers from arthritis, or has as few fingers as I have, or has parents who are old enough to have trouble grabbing hold of a thumb-lock handle inside a loo - and at the same are visited by bolshy teenagers who just breeze into the loo without a care (other than themsleves) in the world. At least the teen was gracious enough to say 'Shit - that was bad man' And didn't know the answer to the question "For whom was that bad then - man: you or your friend's grandma ? You self-obsessed dolt " Cue flounce and a slammed door. Door closers being fitted next week.

If the Councillors comment has been accurately reported, change '...may...' to '...will be writing...' to both the Planning Committee chairman and the Head of Planning. Has that person submitted a written Objection yet? What is his rationale behind the preference for a bungalow? I ask because it may be that the preference (for a bungalow) is Material to the Application. If on the other hand it isn't, then the objection is irrelevant.

Good. Now - How to choose a Planner.... Network : with the emphasis on work : it takes time and effort. Go onto the LPA site : read lots of applications of the sort of house (build) you want Note who submits that type of application. Read the narrative. Does the Planner make the application easy to understand - has a good deal of effort gone in to it? Does one planner waffle ? Forget her /him Try and find out who knows who in the LPA, and how (Network) Micropolitics matters Look at how well the application is illustrated: it may or may not matter - but if it does, then why wouldn't you make the effort? Does the Planner listen - really listen - to you? If not, then she / he won't listen to others either Does the Planner name-drop about Officials in the LPA ? How? Why? Go to a Planning Committe or two or three. Get to know the people involved Does the LPA outsource the Decision Notice Report? Talk to Estate Agents. Listen. We paid £2000 ish. 6 weeks from start to submission. The guy next to my site applied at the same time (25 meters away) mishandled the LPA - stropped, complained, rubbed folk up the wrong way. And didn't get through. Politics matters.

No. You don't . Initially avoid architects (why - they will try to sell you their design services - which isn't planning) . You need to instruct a Planner to work for you. Ours (sharp as a tac) charged £70 cash for a visit and 30 minute discussion. Best money I ever spent. Ever.

Welcome to normality. Dr Buttercup diagnoses LackOfControlitis: common among self builders. Symptoms: sleeplessness, monomania, distraction, restlessness , anomie, periodic raised heart rate, irritable brain syndrome, BP 140 over 90 most days, over eating. Cure: long distance running, sky diving, caving, rock climbing, toothache, base jumping, romantic weekend with partner, bog snorkeling, supper at @SteamyTea's place, a day in a deckchair watching @Pocster at work, bicycle trip to Sicily, shout down a volcano. All available on the NHS

Exactly Alan. But we still don't know whether the objection is Material to the application. It better had be coming from District Councillor .... @Lincolnshire Ian - can you send us the link to your Application please? We'll be pleased to help - plus we're all as nosey as tomcats anyway.....

Well, there you are @Lincolnshire Ian, and That Councillor will have friends. It won't be too hard to work out who they are. If you look at the others on that committee and their political affinity, it shouldn't be too hard to read the runes. Key point; is his(?) objection Material to your application? If not, you've nowt to worry about. If so: deal with it .

Here Be Dagons. If ever there was an instance where micropolitics will play a role in the outcome, it is here. Is the Objection material to the application? PS Can't wait for @IanR and @Temp to get their teeth into this.

It may or may not be. You @Pocster are a legend. We all know that, you know that. But the BCO doesn't. Convince him of your legendary status as somebody who conserves energy - nervous energy - and just bloody does it instead of worrying about it. Better put JustBloodyDoIt - JBDI

Thanks @SteamyTea. Your sign will go well with the current one John (referred to on the notice) is still alive. But now he only visits when there are big boys toys to play with. He can sit in the cabin, heater on Radio 3- full volume He's due (as is the digger) on Wednesday, digging out for the steps. 9:00 a.m. Sharp. He spends half his time talking to the passers by. Gets on far too well in my opinion with some of the little old dears who walk past. They bring him biscuits and cake for god's sake. Mustn't grumble. 😔

Thanks very much @Ferdinand . Yer a proper good-ideas generator......

Morning! Now that looks like fun. Is the oak local, or French maybe.....?

There are many benefits to a sloping site. Not least to assist in our SUDs program. The slope towards that sycamore tree in the background hides a pond. That takes every drop of rainwater from our roof. The slope hides all sorts of small horrors (to be dealt with in due course) and provides privacy and shelter for many. (PS @JohnMo, that's a wonderful build and site)

Storm Warning.....

Update. Last night did not entirely go to plan.... Lemme explain. Paint and brush duly hidden under her duvet. Sleep on my part feigned. Lights out. She discovers the offending articles and promptly drops them on my pillow. Bugger. Didn't see that coming. "But you forgot to bring me a screwdriver to open the lid ...." That didn't go down too well. Its 7:30 am, and I've just finished painting the five small patches of Polyfilla. Need to go and bring her breakfast in bed now. It never ceases to amaze me how much effort it takes to avoid doing really simple quick jobs.