Coops

I should confess I'm only really interested in green if it saves me money, if gov incentives are out there to pay me to install something then I'll do it, I drive a diesel xc90 that does 23mpg on good run

You could well be right, but I honestly don't know of any truly green energy, at least not yet. Surely the best we can hope for in the short term (excluding new build systems) is moving away from unsustainable fossil fuels, of course, somewhere in the middle distance a new green form of energy will emerge, there are a few runners and riders currently at the theoretical stages.

Hi folks, happy St David's day.. Does anyone have some advice or experience with upgrading a knackered oil combi for something greener, something that ideally will benefit from RHI payments once installed. ASHP would be too much hassle replacing existing plumbing etc, so was thinking maybe Biomass? although on first inspection the systems I've seen look quite space hungry and not particularly economical, or am i missing something?

Thanks Andrew, seems as long as rooms are labeled cleverly - all will be well. I suppose the reality is a studio/office with an attached shower room is acceptable as being ancillary to the main dwelling rather than self contained accomodation in its own right.

Perfect, makes sense..Not even fully considered heating yet, underfloor with heat pump ideally, although not sure what qualifies as "annexe friendly" with planning and if I can utilise RHI for an annexe?

Gotcha, (I think) so the room identified on planning app as home office room can quite legally have a toilet, which will evolve into a full on bathroom post completion and basically provide first fix cabling for kitchenette into main living space/lounge area then install kitchenette after completion?

Hi again all, I'm trying to navigate the laws surrounding annexe accomodation in England, hopefully someone can clear this up. I'm planning to build a triple bay garage with accomodation above complete with a new vehicular access and hard parking area. I want the accomodation above to form a self contained apartment for the 67yo mother in law...My planning consultant is telling me that it can't have a kitchen as this will arouse suspicions of future ambitions to use as a separate dwelling? Guidance surrounding this seems a tad grey, has anyone done this, what's the deal? Do I just add a kitchen after sign off?

Yeah, that's what I need, CAD technicians like hen's teeth though.

No, all supervision excluded.

Fair point, just trying to cut a few corners to maximise build costs

Neighbour consult process yes..for the build, in the interest of speed and cost certainty, I'd like a contractor to produce the shell, alternatively with the security of some decent working drawings I could do it myself, although I'd like to actually enjoy living in it rather than slog away for years.

Yeah, I've considered this route, but the only problem I can see is getting accurate tenders for the build.

PD...just seemed expensive for a few drawing sheets and spec, 70% of which will likely be generic cut and paste.

Hi Peter. Council app fees excluded as are structural calcs, but yes, steel will be needed.

Hi Folks Just been quoted £1850 for a building regs drawings. The project is a fairly simple 5x8 ground floor flat roof rear extension. Project is in Shropshire, quote includes; 1. Measuredsurvey 2. Preparation of existing drawing 3. Preparation of detailed drawing 4. Schedule of Works 5. Building Regulations application. Sample drawings do look useful and clear but this sounds a lot to me, anyone got any thoughts?

Yes I think the the definition is pretty clear, stables are equestrian and not agricultural. Looks like a full planning application, although reading a little further about class Q PD, looks like it might be more hassle than its worth..thanks to all.

Ok thanks, will do.

Yeah that's my understanding of the situation too. I suppose in reality it would be impossible for planning authorities and highways to actually manage the volume of applications which is why you see some rather dodgy field openings in rural areas

Interesting, I have no pavement and I own the hedge and any grassy bit verging the tarmac, I would act sensibly and design in a decent visibility splay anyway.

Thanks Randomiser, that sort of validates what research I had done, I'll check if Shropshire council have some way of difinitively checking the road classification, TBH I'd be amazed if it's classified as it's so narrow, but it has just been resurfaced.

Yes, I've seen some pretty basic looking agricultural buildings converted into some amazing homes..I guess that permitted development rule has driven the upswing in modern sheds being developed, but is it viable in terms of achieving building regs?

Ha..no, would need to keep the structure lightweight.

I want to create a completely new drive over my land and break out onto an unclassified road. The road will be a simple scalpings/mot type affair.

Hi again folks Under English permitted development rules is it even possible (commercially viable) to turn a small timber stable block into an annexe to the main dwelling? Love to hear any thoughts.

Evening self builders Have just bought an old farmhouse that forms part of a small ex farm complex with 3 converted barns set around a courtyard setting. The house has its own drive at the front, but I would really like to add another entrance at the back of the property, the land has an unclassified road around the boundary...my question is, do I just crack on and put in a gate and road or do I need to inform anyone? Cheers