Chaz

Update time, Covid 19 clearly messed up lots of peoples plans and created havoc. Our purchase has been delayed and we are hoping to complete by the end of June. So, we have found an architect to look at a loft conversion and the barn. My current guess is that we will try and fund the loft and Ill try and 'fix' the barn structure and get a floor poured. So looking to repair / replace some of the steel / wood used in the structure and go from there. Will of course keep updating this thread.

So I've engaged with 3 architects to get an idea of their approach, pricing etc. First thoughts, some consistency in their views about the workshop. Their fees however range from 'OK' to 'Whoa, that's a lot of money'. So not sure how to select who to go for. I need to do a bit more work looking at options etc.

Thanks. Their email address for this product doesnt work but I found these guys - waiting for a quote - http://mpaliquidscreed.co.uk/. Why would Agilia be considered overkill? A friend of mine used it and from what I understand, it needs little / no work and therefore whilst a bit more expensive, less costs on the labour side and leaves a great finish for a workshop floor.

The house purchase is now progressing, property taken off the market, solicitors etc now engaged. Does anyone know where I can get a price for Agilia Concrete to be used as a base for the workshop?

Sadly whilst our offer has been accepted, it looks like the Tractor wont be included.

Indeed, I did that after your post.

Indeed, I will. We havent bought yet - but will add that in. The post suggests the location too.

Hi, We are moving towards the buying of a property and would like to engage with an Architect to help on 3 potential changes to the property. Can anyone recommend someone that we can engage with, mostly an 'exploration' discussion at this stage. The first is a potential loft conversion (may not need planning) The second is a single story extension (may not need planning) The third is related to a workshop build, currently being discussed here -

So we have one more 'offering' of what the tractor could be. Below is the quoted text. “I would say a Shibaura 4040. Not 100% sure but google images of them and the grille is different but the hydraulic lines are in the correct place with a similar bend.” I dont know much about them, it certainly looks more like a Landini than any pic I could find of the Shibaura. Anyways - we are waiting to hear if our offer for this property is going ahead or not and will then report back as things progress. There will also be a loft conversion in this chapter too at some point.

Oh wow, thanks.

Out of interest (and I dont know if you would know), does anyone know what tractor this might be? The number plate in the pic belongs to a 1975 Massey however a work colleague (who has some tractors) doesnt recognise it.

Pic as requested ?

Ironically this place has a small tractor that needs TLC.

Just to keep things simple but if the guidance is just to get planning, then that's an option. What's there is probably 40-50 m^2, perhaps larger. I dont need as big but ideally not far off.

Ok thanks. It will have electrics etc, so might as well get building regs involved I think. Property not purchased yet but heading that way it seems.

This is the current guidance, I dont see a restriction to 30 M^2. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830643/190910_Tech_Guide_for_publishing.pdf On page 45 are some distance limitations but struggling to understand what this means. Can anyone point out the restriction of size please? Thanks

Thanks all. Is 30 M^2 a limit of what is available under permitted development (even if the land allows for much larger)? In terms of the other properties, they are close but not that close. Noise may be a concern but I intend to isolate as much as possible. I believe planning wasnt an issue 20-30 years ago when this was all built. Not sure - is there any way to check?

Thanks both. Do you believe that I can simply repair what's there (can I remove the roof and replace it with new sheets) without issues or do I need to speak to the council first?

Hi, We are currently looking at buying a property that was build somewhere in the 1950s. The land size is around 0.5 acre and there are some external sheds / buildings which I believe were erected 20-30 years ago but would not comply to today's permitted development regulations. The reason for this is that the main workshop / shed sits on the property boundary and exceeds the available height restriction. From what I can tell, I have a few options but I want to ensure I stay on the correct side of the law with respect to planning and my neighbours. 1. Fix what's there. What can I do to the structure without impeding into issues about consent? I have emailed West Ox District Council however I would need to provide plans etc before they can help and I'm not ready to do that. The building is a steel frame structure with metal corrugate roof panels (some now with holes and no longer waterproof) and some form of corrugated panels down the side. They look like asbestos but I believe they are the plasterboard type. 2. Move what's there - The metal element of the shed does not look entirely fixed - it could possibly be moved 2 meters away from the property boundary and I believe then it would be acceptable from a Permitted Development point of view. As I am considering something as large as 10m x 4m, I may need approval from Building Regulation, is this correct? 3. Pull it all down, start again. If so, my thoughts are to pour a foundation with self levelling concrete like Agilia, then do either single Breezeblock, wood panel, insulation & plasterboard or dual layer Breezeblock. I'd the like the workshop to be usable all year round, therefore heating / insulation is of interest. I may also carve up an area as an office / study / music / recording room. Size wise, I am looking at something like 10m x 4m x minimum of 3m. Most of the CNC machines I would want to have inside need a height of around 3m. Do I need foundations or is a good strong base enough? A friend of mine has done a 20m x 10m workshop and I believe has no foundations - but his base is 30cm deep. I am fairly handy (Qualified Electrician from South Africa) - I could do a lot of the work myself. Speaking to some, it sounds like its worth paying others to do the main brickwork, they will be faster and better than myself. I would perhaps do the wood / insulation and plasterboard. Depending on finish - I may not go for a 'in house' finish. I could also do the electrics (aware I need someone with the appropriate licenses to sign it off) and might be able to do plumbing (would like a basic basin / tap for washing up). For heating, no idea as yet. Ive attached some pics. There's some concrete but not much of it, so that will be removed. The structure is metal 'warehouse' type structure with some metal and some wood joists. The wood seems in bad repair in some places. One photo shows the side, plasterboard type of stuff. The Outside picture shows how ugly it is and what the neighbours see, that is also on the property boundary. All advice / info / questions appreciated. Thanks

Hi all, Looking at buying a house in and around the Oxford area which has some land and some sheds / buildings. I have some questions around cost of build but also around planning permission / permitted development with respect to an existing structure. Ill find the best place to ask the question on the appropriate forum. Thanks all. Chaz