Architecture open plan kitchen / dining room advice

Planning permission wouldn’t be needed. If the wall was load bearing I presume and hope a suitable lintel has been installed to take the load. Usually a structural engineer is required to calculate the size of the lintel/steel beam to take the load above. Many people undertake this work not involving building control, always worth giving them a call to check though.

As my colleague above mentioned, as the works that you have carried out appear to have been internal then you would not have needed planning permission for the works, but you would definitely have needed Building Regulation approval to comply. In addition to this, and slightly more importantly you would have needed a structural engineer to do the calculations to work out the size and bearing strength of the beam that was used. I would suggest in the initial that you go back to the builder that did the work and ask for those calculations. I would also find out if they made an application and whether they were issued with a Completion Certificate. As a separate note, if the builder did work within the kitchen it is conceivable that the work may have required approval such as the electrics etc. Again, I would suggest approaching the builder initially and finding out if this work was done with the required approval. If they did not get approval then all this can be done retrospectively but will require things to be opened up to establish what has been done. Hope that helps.

You don't need Planning Permission for such work - as it is internal and, I presume, did not affect the external appearance of the house. However I would always advise applying for Building Control approval. The work is checked and approved (or otherwise) by a Building Control officer as being complaint with Building Regulations. This is important in terms of the value of your property - if you were to re-sell. A purchaser would want to be sure any work was carried out in compliance with regulations. Also your insurance company are likely to want any information about alterations. A Building Control certificate is a very useful document. You can apply retrospectively - it is termed 'Regularisation' - and allows the Building Control Dept. to check the completed work against current standards. To do this - ideally you need drawings to show what was done. I would suggest asking your builder for information about the work - including lintel size and type of cladding. You can then put together (or ask someone else to) a set of drawings for submission. The Building Control Dept. charge a fee - but I think it's worth doing.

Hello, It's important to clarify a few terms and concepts: Planning Permission vs. Building Regulations: In many jurisdictions, there's a distinction between planning permission (which relates to the overall usage, appearance, and impact of a building in its context) and building regulations (which ensure that structures are safe, energy-efficient, and adhere to certain construction standards). For interior alterations, especially those involving structural changes like removing a load-bearing wall, it's more often building regulations approval you would need rather than planning permission. However, specifics can vary depending on local regulations. Load-Bearing Wall & Beam: The insertion of a large load-bearing beam suggests that the building company recognized the structural implications of removing the wall. The beam would distribute the loads previously borne by the wall, ensuring that the structure remains stable. What to do next: Check with Local Authorities: I recommend reaching out to your local building department or council to ascertain if the work required any approvals or notifications. If it did, they'll guide you on the next steps to regularize the situation. Documentation: It's beneficial to gather all the documentation you have regarding the work: any written communication, photographs, invoices, etc. This can provide evidence of the scope and quality of the work done. Structural Safety: If there's any doubt about the safety or adequacy of the beam, you might consider hiring a structural engineer to inspect and certify the alterations. They can provide an expert assessment and, if everything is in order, offer peace of mind. Regularization: If it turns out that you needed building regulations approval and didn't obtain it, there's often a process to 'regularize' unapproved work. This might involve a retrospective application, inspections, and potentially some remedial works if required. Legal Implications: If selling or refinancing the property in the future, having the appropriate approvals and documentation for structural changes is crucial. It can prevent potential legal complications or devaluation. Lastly, while your friend's advice was well-intended, it's always a good idea to consult directly with professionals familiar with local regulations. While some oversights can occur, they can usually be addressed with the right steps and guidance. Best wishes with resolving this matter!