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Should there be a fire wall in the loft between neighbouring houses?
Firewalls provide protection against fires spread which may occur to neighbouring properties. Building regulations ensure that modern homes are fitted with firewalls as well as other fire safety measures such as adequate fire escapes and alarm systems.
Older homes may not have a firewall installed in the loft, especially in homes with shared loft spaces. There is no requirement to retrospectively install a firewall, but it should be considered to improve the safety of your home and those living in it.
As an adjoining loft firewall is a party wall, you will need to talk to your neighbour to discuss the work.
Common Questions
To qualify as permitted development some household building work projects – notably extending a house – must not exceed limits to the volume being added.
In England, the volume allowance mostly applies to loft conversions. You can read more on the Planning Portal.
Use the volume calculator to find out the volume of several loft conversion and extension types.
If the conservatory is not separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows, then it will lose its building regulations exempt status. As such it will be required to adhere to thermal efficiency rules and ventilation rules.
The new opening created from removal of the door will also need building regulations approval.
Find out more from our conservatories common project
Planning permission is not required if the home will be used as a short-term let for 90 days or less throughout the year.
If you plan on using the home as a short-term let for more than this time period, then you will need to apply for planning permission for a change of use.
If you rent a room in your property while you still live there, you will not require planning permission.
Many homeowners choose to replace their traditional polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid tiled roof for better thermal efficiency.
If the change significantly alters the structure or appearance of the roof, then planning permission may be required. Most alterations to roofs are considered permitted development, providing they meet the limits set out in legislation.
A new roof must comply with building regulations to ensure it is structurally safe, energy efficient and properly ventilated.
Adding a new driveway to an unclassified road for access to a house or business falls under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required.
If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
You will have to apply to the relevant highway authority for a dropped kerb if you wish to cross a pavement to access your property.
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