Retention For Velux Window At Front Of House

Southern Comfort

I converted my attic a few years ago and put a few Velux windows at the rear. I also put one on the front of the house and didn't have planning permission to do so.

What's the story with seeking retention? Is it reasonably straight forward? What kind of costs are involved? What are the chances of being refused?

I've also converted the garage to a playroom with a sliding patio door. Do I need planning permission for this also? Thanks.

BryanF

Southern Comfort wrote: »

I converted my attic a few years ago and put a few Velux windows at the rear. I also put one on the front of the house and didn't have planning permission to do so.

1. What's the story with seeking retention?
2. Is it reasonably straight forward?
3. What kind of costs are involved?
4. What are the chances of being refused?
5. I've also converted the garage to a playroom with a sliding patio door. Do I need planning permission for this also? Thanks.

1. contact a local arch tech they will put together a planning application including drawings etc as required
2. yes, if you know what your doing
3. two days to put application together including survey but you really need someone on-site to answer this - for instance the LA now often ask about septic tanks etc (this just one of a number of on-site things your arch will check out) + the cost of maps, 6/7 copies of application/drawings, council retention fee, and add in local paper
4. slim
5. possibly, your arch will tell you

Southern Comfort

Hi Bryan. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Much appreciated.

BryanF

while your at it, ask your arch to check that your attic conversion at the least complies with the fire regulations and is structural sound. Ive seen some shocking 'conversions', where the roof is held up by 'sky hooks', no proper means of escape and the sick thing is, its often the kids that have their rooms up there..

KazDub

Hi,
would you mind explaining that in layman's terms? We're considering converting our attic for one of our kids to have a bigger room up there. I've just read your reply regarding 'sky hooks' and compliancy with safety regulations. I have no idea what sky hooks are, but on the compliancy issue would have assumed that any builder would have to comply with the fire safety regulations in regards to doing any construction work within a home. I would imagine that the only route for escaping from the attic would be back down through the stairs that you come up. Is there some concern regarding attic conversions and fire safety?
Sorry for butting in by the way!

BryanF

KazDub wrote: »

Hi,I have no idea what sky hooks are, but on the compliancy issue would have assumed that any builder would have to comply with the fire safety regulations in regards to doing any construction work within a home. I would imagine that the only route for escaping from the attic would be back down through the stairs that you come up. Is there some concern regarding attic conversions and fire safety? Sorry for butting in by the way!

have a read here there's a link to a brief guide to loft conversions
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=77001700

skyhooks are like the bubble from a spirit level or a glass hammer it just my roundabout way of saying that often times where attics are converted the roof structure isn't properly supported

DONT ASSUME anything where builders are concerned, that's why there are architects and engineers;)

without listing the entire of http://www.environ.ie/en/TGD/ - in a bedroom there must be a suitable window to escape from, and any escape route should have the correct fire rating and stairs - none of which were probably planed for your existing house. IMO get an arch/arch tech in to check your situation and ensure compliance with building and planning regulations

KazDub

Thanks for the info. I'll have a read through the links.

Southern Comfort

BryanF wrote: »

have a read here there's a link to a brief guide to loft conversions
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=77001700

skyhooks are like the bubble from a spirit level or a glass hammer it just my roundabout way of saying that often times where attics are converted the roof structure isn't properly supported

DONT ASSUME anything where builders are concerned, that's why there are architects and engineers;)

without listing the entire of http://www.environ.ie/en/TGD/ - in a bedroom there must be a suitable window to escape from, and any escape route should have the correct fire rating and stairs - none of which were probably planed for your existing house. IMO get an arch/arch tech in to check your situation and ensure compliance with building and planning regulations

Re the sky hooks, etc. a friend of mine sent a guy off one day for a bucket of steam!

The guys who converted my attic did a great structural job. I wish I could say the same about the way they "tried" to insulate it, though!

Bullseye1

If you carried out your work over 7 years ago you may not need to do anything. If its less than 7 years ago consult your local Architect or Engineer for advice.

BryanF

Bullseye1 wrote: »

If you carried out your work over 7 years ago you may not need to do anything. If its less than 7 years ago consult your local Architect or Engineer for advice.

have a look around this forum at the number of people who are having issues over alterations to the original planning of their homes when trying to sell. I think it would be best if the OP just consulted an arch and they put their professional opinion on the line..

Bullseye1

Absolutely. But the legislation deals with unauthorised development and the 7 year rule.

sydthebeat

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Absolutely. But the legislation deals with unauthorised development and the 7 year rule.

The legislation puts a 7 year statute of limitations on unauthorised development, but that does not equate to permission by default. It just means the council cannot enforce legal proceedings to regularise the unauthorised development.

Some of the consequences of 'unauthorised development' (within or outside of the 7 year limit) are:

1. issues of sale. no certificate of compliance with planning can be furnished
2. issues with future applications. a local authority cannot accept a planning application where there is an unauthorised development on site, even outside the 7 year limit.
3. issues if re-mortgage application required


so just because you cannot be requested to alter the unauthorised development, that does not mean you are problem free.

Bullseye1

There maybe a certificate of compliance for the original element of the house. And the seller can prepare an affadavit to attach to the cert. I've know properties to sell with this paperwork.

sydthebeat

Bullseye1 wrote: »

There maybe a certificate of compliance for the original element of the house. And the seller can prepare an affadavit to attach to the cert. I've know properties to sell with this paperwork.

in the current financial climate and the paranoia financial institutions have, i seriously doubt the above arrangement would be acceptable.

what exactly is the affidavit supposed to say?
unauthorised is unauthorised, whatever way you look at it.

sinnerboy

Bullseye1 wrote: »

There maybe a certificate of compliance for the original element of the house. And the seller can prepare an affadavit to attach to the cert. I've know properties to sell with this paperwork.

I've known them fail to sell in such cases too. Build without permission at risk. For so many the risk seems so remote "sure I'll never sell/ cross that bridge later etc,etc" . Very short sighted indeed.

Bullseye1

sydthebeat wrote: »

in the current financial climate and the paranoia financial institutions have, i seriously doubt the above arrangement would be acceptable.

what exactly is the affidavit supposed to say?
unauthorised is unauthorised, whatever way you look at it.

A firm of solicitors drafted the wording and it was accepted by the purchasers solicitors. At the end of the day prosecution could not take place. I appreciate that this won't satisfy some or even most buyers but I have seen them sell.

Bullseye1

sinnerboy wrote: »

I've known them fail to sell in such cases too. Build without permission at risk. For so many the risk seems so remote "sure I'll never sell/ cross that bridge later etc,etc" . Very short sighted indeed.

I agree with you completely.

AndyBoBandy

OP

Have you looked any further into this? Did you apply for retention?

Gumbo

Andybobandy wrote: »

OP

Have you looked any further into this? Did you apply for retention?

Whats your question?
Retention is a relatively straight forward application. Have you got a specific issue you would like answered?

AndyBoBandy

kceire wrote: »

Whats your question?
Retention is a relatively straight forward application. Have you got a specific issue you would like answered?

My question is did the OP go forward with the plan to seek retention? and if so, how did it work out.

In my case, I will be getting my attic converted soon, and I want to install Velux windows in the front, and want to know how easy/hard it is down the road to seek retention.

DOCARCH

Andybobandy wrote: »

In my case, I will be getting my attic converted soon, and I want to install Velux windows in the front, and want to know how easy/hard it is down the road to seek retention.

If you know you need planning permission to install roof windows to the front...why don't you apply for planning permission?

AndyBoBandy

DOCARCH wrote: »

If you know you need planning permission to install roof windows to the front...why don't you apply for planning permission?

how long does it take?

The thing is some of my neighbours have windows in the front, and I know they didn't get planning permission for them.
So, if I was to apply, would I be alerting the council to their planning violations?

DOCARCH

Andybobandy wrote: »

So, if I was to apply, would I be alerting the council to their planning violations?

As one local authority official said to me one day...don't worry about what your neighbours do!

It takes 8 weeks to get a decision on a planning application.

AndyBoBandy

DOCARCH wrote: »

It takes 8 weeks to get a decision on a planning application.

Unfortunately I don't have 8 weeks to wait!!

We have a little bundle of joy on the way in mid January, and really need to have all works done prior to christmas!

Gumbo

Andybobandy wrote: »

how long does it take?

The thing is some of my neighbours have windows in the front, and I know they didn't get planning permission for them.
So, if I was to apply, would I be alerting the council to their planning violations?

It takes the same amount of time as a retention Application.
It's also worth bearing in mind that one persons refusal of front velum has no bearing on another persons refusal of permission.

It all down to location and overlooking issues in that particular area.

Also considering you are going into the attic and the fact you will have young kids in the house over the next few years and you thought about construction supervision and how you will adhere to the building regulations for the attic, paying specific attention to Part A and Part B (structure & Fire Safety)