Tom

We're planning to use the Galeco system in our build (for now at least), as ever the devil will be in the detail to get it to work as designed. Does anyone know whether it is actually approved for use in the UK? Appropriate certification etc? Our architect couldn't find any but we're gonna give it a go anyway.

Grand, thanks all.

Just found a PDF version of Part H building regs for foul drainage (for future reference: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/442889/BR_PDF_AD_H_2015.pdf), says manholes need to be 45m apart on a run (I think), so looks like I would potentially only need one in the middle of the run of approx 80m. No mention of max gradient though - any ideas?

Yep, runs 365 Joe.

Thanks Dave. Is there a maximum gradient? As an estimate the field is about a 1/10 I reckon.

So, we're going to be installing our sewage treatment plant soon as we'll need it to connect to the caravan when we move to the site and start the build. Had all the percolation tests etc, FD1 done etc etc Think we're going to go for the Conder (toss up with the Bio Pure, Conder won in the end as it just looks a bit more substantial tbh), and it will need to discharge down a run of buried pipe down a slope to a stream about 80m away. I've been trying to find info on how exactly this should be done: depth of trench, depth of pea shingle, inspection chambers, rodding points etc, but not getting very far. It's essentially a straight run down a field (that's ours). Can I ask for some pointers? Thanks all

I've been pondering the same question recently. We are going to be using Nudura and want a powerfloated slab with UFH as the final floor finish on the largest section of our build. The problem as I see it with powerfloating is it needs to be done while the slab is still going off, so potentially we have our "final" floor finish essentially being used as a building site, which isn't ideal. With polishing at least you would be grinding off the top layer with all the fag butts and Ginsters crumbs... ? I'm currently thinking we'll try to leave the floor to do as late as possible - at least until the walls are up (and the walls can then be braced against the oversite), then it can be protected to a certain extent with a temporary cover for first and second fix etc.

Yep, I'll cross that bridge when it comes to it (though what's that expression about it being easier to ask for forgiveness than permission?...). First thing though is to get somewhere to stay in for ourselves.

Drainage is ok, but it's a sloping site and will need a fair amount of earth scraping away to make level. At least compacted hardcore would be easier to dig up again when needed - think that night be the best option.

Got pp, so all good. I just added a paragraph in the planning statement. Agree a massive slab makes everything look more permanent though. The second hand lodges I've been looking at seem to be Cosalt or Pinelog models, all ex-holiday park and are residential spec (whatever that means) with double glazing and central heating etc. Seem to be fairly substantial.

Hi all, we're trying to sort out our onsite accommodation as we'll be homeless in a few months. Initially we were thinking a static - but the max width we can fit through gateways etc is only 10ft, the novelty of which I think would wear off quite quickly. I've now started to look at twin lodges, which come in two 10ft wide sections. This would give us somewhere comfortable to live, then we could move it away from the house after the build and use it possibly for airbnb/family etc - something which is a bit more desirable in a lodge than a static. I'm trying to sort out what sort of groundworks I need to support a lodge. I've been told that a slab is preferable, due to the risk of the two halfs moving relative to each other. Has anyone done this for a lodge before? Would the slab need to be reinforced (it would need to be at least 20'x30')? Ideally we would like something with less of a footprint as it will be sited in a field - are smaller footings at various points a reasonable compromise? Thanks all

Seems like the best option, cheers Temp. Anyone out there used floor sockets in their own build and wants to share some pics?

We're planning a power floated concrete floor as the finished surface, and would like floor sockets. Has anyone used these in a concrete floor? Our architect is worried about cracking around the socket, but I'm sure this must be possible to do without. Any hints/tips? Thanks all

It wouldn't be a totally new dwelling in the country though, it's a replacement. We did exactly this, part Q PD, then full planning. It was very straightforward in the end. There was a case that went to the high court in 2017 I believe which basically allowed for the part Q to be used as a fall back, therefore any full pp application would therefore be a replacement, even if the conversion had not actually been started. I think you've been advised wrongly. Honestly look in to this, might save a lot if hassle further down the line as you try and shoehorn your house in to the existing structure - not to mention the 20% VAT saving on a new build.

Following with interest as this looks like an interesting project. No doubt you have already, but have you explored getting planning permission now that you have the PD rights for conversion confirmed? You'd be able to change roof pitches - and lots of other things!

You're neighbour isn't Victor Meldrew by any chance?

...and similar to the campaign to stop photoshopping in adverts/social media and the effect this has on adolescent mental health and the pressure to achieve the unachievable, perhaps there needs to be a similar ban on building mags/Grand designs for the sake of the mental health of middle aged men!

I'm beginning to get annoyed by imperfections, and we haven't even started our build yet! Could we have unrealistic expectations? You see all of these amazing looking places in magazines - all clean lines and perfect junctions, but is that achievable in the real world? We see selected images of these places, sometimes perhaps photoshopped, and certainly never see the bits that aren't quite so perfect. Not saying we should put up with substandard work, but if our goals are unachievable can we ever win?

Interestingly Stephen, we want shadow gaps with our concrete floor but our architect is warning against. He's worried that any irregularity/wavyness in the floor will be too easy to see with unforgiving shadow gaps. We're planning a power floated finish rather than polished. Are you happy you will be able to achieve a crisp finish - and if so can you share how?!

Our roof structure won't be exposed, but if the supply vents don't have to be high up - and theoretically can even be in the walls - then that simplifies things a bit. The extract in the kitchen I'm guessing needs to be near the apex though.

Trying to get to grips with the MVHR design for our build. We have a large open-plan living area approx 18m x 9m with a vaulted ceiling - about 6m at the apex. A few of the other rooms (snug and master bedroom) will have even higher vaulted ceilings by the looks of it. Where should we position vents for the MVHR? As high as possible? Interested to see how others have addressed this, any pictures of how this can look would be greatly appreciated. Cheers all

Yep, barns untouched from initial part q application. Thanks all for your responses. I have contacted the LPA and hopefully they'll give the definitive answer soon. Will report back...

3 years I believe

Thanks Jimbo, that's what I thought as essentially they are PD rights. However, the planning approval states "for replacement of part Q approval" does that mean that from the date of the successful planning application there is no longer any part Q approval, or only if the planning permission is exercised and the structure built?

Quick question: if part Q change of use of a barn under permitted development has been confirmed, and I subsequently get full planning permission to completely knock down and rebuild, do I still have the PD rights to procede with the part Q conversion and ignore the planning permission?