Extending query.

ButtersSuki

Hi folks,

New here so please go easy on me! Reason for turning to here is I've
a) tried calling Meath Co. Co. several times only to be placed on hold for eternity each time
b) asked 2 local architects who have given me conflicting messages

I live in an end of terrace (terrace of 3 units) house in Co. Meath. I'm thinking of extending my kitchen into my back garden and using every mm of my 40sq m. My questions however relates to the exterior wall that faces my neighbour. Currently we're divided by those cement pillar with wooden fence partition-things (please excuse my expert technical terminology ).

My questions are:
1. Can I remove this fence (or part of it) and build my extension exterior wall in it's place? I would have assumed no, but there are several extensions in my area which have done this and again, conflicting info. from architects has me confused on this.
2. Regardless of whether I can do 1 above, what is the max height this wall can be? I'm confused given some of the examples I've seen locally and again, conflicting info.
3. Re. the roof of this extension, does it have to be flat or can it be peaked/angled?

Any help greatly appreciated!

sydthebeat

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Hi folks,

New here so please go easy on me! Reason for turning to here is I've
a) tried calling Meath Co. Co. several times only to be placed on hold for eternity each time
b) asked 2 local architects who have given me conflicting messages

I live in an end of terrace (terrace of 3 units) house in Co. Meath. I'm thinking of extending my kitchen into my back garden and using every mm of my 40sq m. My questions however relates to the exterior wall that faces my neighbour. Currently we're divided by those cement pillar with wooden fence partition-things (please excuse my expert technical terminology ).

My questions are:
1. Can I remove this fence (or part of it) and build my extension exterior wall in it's place? I would have assumed no, but there are several extensions in my area which have done this and again, conflicting info. from architects has me confused on this.
2. Regardless of whether I can do 1 above, what is the max height this wall can be? I'm confused given some of the examples I've seen locally and again, conflicting info.
3. Re. the roof of this extension, does it have to be flat or can it be peaked/angled?

Any help greatly appreciated!

i assume you mean you will use every mm of the 40 sq m you are allowed under exempted permission? will you have enough garden left to ensure its exempt?

1. Yes. Under the 'Land and conveyancing act' 2009, powers have been afforded to building owners when it comes to party structures. Theres a good explanation here or for a more detailed look see here. Basically, you do not need permission when carrying out exempted development, but you will need to

(a) make good all damage caused to the adjoining owner as a consequence of the works, or reimburse the adjoining owner the reasonable costs and expenses of such making good, and

(b) pay to the adjoining owner—
(i) the reasonable costs of obtaining professional advice with regard to the likely consequences of the works, and
(ii) reasonable compensation for any inconvenience caused by the works.

so as you can see, its a good idea to have this all sorted out amicably before any works happen.


2. (a) Where the rear wall of the house does not include a gable, the height of the walls of any such extension shall not exceed the height of the rear wall of the house. (b) Where the rear wall of the house includes a gable, the height of the walls of any such extension shall not exceed the height of the side walls of the house.
(c) The height of the highest part of the roof of any such extension shall not exceed, in the case of a flat roofed extension, the height of the eaves or parapet, as may be appropriate, or, in any other case, shall not exceed the height of the highest part of the roof of the dwelling.
from exempted requirements here



while there is no specified height, its generally considered that once the wall is sufficient to structurally and technically cover a single storey extension, with a parapet for a hidden gutter, then thats the maximum it can be.



3. see 2 above.

ButtersSuki

Thanks, but think I'm possibly more confused now - sorry, this is all relatively new to me!

Yes, more than 25sq m left in the garden after extending 40sq m. That much I was able to confirm!

I'll re-read your answer(s) again tomorrow when I have my wits about me. Genuine thanks for your reply though!