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Conversions

Retrospective Planning Permission for Removal of Kitchen Wall

Anonymous user 13/03/2024 - 2.31 PM

Hello, I have recently renovated a two storey flat in a low-rise local authority block in Old Street, London. We removed the small partition wall between the kitchen and the hallway and living room. We didn't get building regulations approval for this..... After an initial chat with Local Authority they are saying they wouldn't approve it as it affects the safe escape from the floor above. I do not think this is the case as the wall was only plaster board and the door attached was not a fire door, so this wall added no additional fire protection. Also the exit front door is right in front of the bottom of the stairs so exit would be quick. I'm wanting to sell the flat soon and basically I'm wanting to know what my options are. Can I challenge the LA, and do I have a case? What happens if LA don't approve the works. What could they do?

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

Here lies the problem of doing what you want and then asking questions later. On sale a surveyor will pick this up and ask for building control sign off which you do not have, thus rendering the flat unsaleable. You may be lucky and get approval but i doubt it. They are very strict on fire regs, especially in flat conversions,so the long and short of it is put it back, or stay there yourself.

Answered30 May 2012

Anonymous user

The partition and door would offer at least 30 mins of fire protection - but if you removed a wall and it now exposes the stairs then this means that if a fire in the kitchen starts then the fire could be at the bottom of the stairs or the smoke will have direct access to the rooms upstairs and you'd die of smoke inhalation before you burn !!! You may be able to sell the property if the estate agents and surveyors don't spot the hazard- but if there is a fire after the new occupants move in - you may be liable !! You need it looked at by someone who knows what they are doing.

Answered31 May 2012