We added a brand new FLOOR to your home cheaply and broke no planning rules
A COUPLE have added a brand new floor to their home via an Ikea bargain without breaking planning rules.
Kate Ellison and husband Robert wanted to renovate their north London home but were limited to what they could do.
2
The couple decided they wanted a pretty big change and soon faced complications when planning permission was required.
The pair had no choice but to put their heads together and think outside the box – because they didn't want to submit applications or wait for approval.
One day they were in everyone's favorite furniture store and saw that you could buy a mezzanine.
The product meant they could add a new layer to their Victorian property without the hassle of application.
Kate and Robert bought the Tolkning room divider from Ikea for just £99.
The mezzanine now floats above a cupboard in their home and provides an extra layer and space.
Kate said: “It creates such an interesting, modern space.
“It really gives the house that wow factor.”
The easy hack comes after Michael Gove announced a series of policy measures this week, including changes to permitted development rights.
A consultation on the proposed changes sets out how homeowners can build wider and taller extensions without planning permission.
The plans include L-shaped shells, loft conversions and kitchen extensions.
The documentwhich was published on Tuesday, also proposes to scrap rules that mean extensions and other buildings cannot take up more than 50 percent of the surrounding land, known as the 'curtilage'.
Homeowners will also be able to convert as much attic space as they want without permission.
It is part of a wider Conservative effort to support 'soft densification' of towns and cities across the country.
How to appeal and win if your home extension is rejected
EXTENSIONS are a great way to improve your home and save money, as extending is often cheaper than moving.
But any construction work can quickly cause problems with your neighbors if you do not follow the rules.
Andrew Cann, director of Plan immediatelya planning consultancy based in the east of England, said there are ways to appeal if your original application for an extension is rejected.
Here's what you need to know:
How do you actually appeal?
To appeal, you must prepare a Statement of Case.
This is a document that sets out why you believe the extension should be granted in terms of planning policy. An expert can help you with this, but they will charge costs for this.
This is sent to the Spatial Inspectorate together with an objection form.
This is a government body independent of your local council who will check whether the planning authority that refused you has done so correctly.
Normally there are no costs associated with submitting an objection to the Spatial Inspectorate.
The main costs are the fee you must pay to an advisor or lawyer to prepare and manage the case on your behalf. The amount depends on the case.
How do I win my appeal?
The truth is, there is no guarantee that you will win your appeal – and you should be wary of any attorney or advisor who promises you a victory.
“Any adviser who says an appeal will definitely be won should be avoided,” Andrew said.
That said, there are some tips that can help you on your way to victory.
“Look around – if other homeowners in the area have made similar changes, there's a good chance you'll win,” said Andrew.
Another thing to be aware of is that your application may have been rejected due to a technical issue or simply due to a missing detail.
“Sometimes it is worth reapplying with an amended version if the council only wants minor changes. A new application is free within one year of the first refusal,” said Andrew.
But if an appeal is mishandled and denied, it can “destroy” the property and you will not be granted permission in the future.
There are some challenges if you want to appeal.
You must establish that the extension complies with local planning policy and, importantly, will not cause harm to others.
Gove's proposed expansion plans
One-storey extension
Current rules: Limited to 3 meters deep for most houses and 4 meters deep for detached houses.
New rules: increased to 4 meters depth for most houses and 5 meters for detached houses.
Rear two-storey extension, highest point
Current rules: Must not be higher than the highest point of the house.
New rules: May be as high as the highest part of the house, but cannot be visible from the street.
Attic extension
Current rules: Limits conversions to 50 cubic meters in most cases or 40 cubic meters in terraced houses.
New rules: Homeowners may convert as much attic space as is available.
L-shaped extensions
Current rules: A building permit is required.
New rules: no building permit is required.
Extension sizes
Current rules: Extensions and other buildings may not occupy more than 50 percent of the surrounding land, known as 'curtilage'.
New rules: Can cover more than 50 percent of the area.
How can I challenge a neighbor's development?
IF a new or existing structure is blocking light from entering your home, you have the right to challenge it.
The first thing you should do is talk to your neighbors; they may not realize the impact this has on your home.
If they are unwilling to reach an agreement, you have the right to take legal action, but be aware that this could be costly.
First, you can try a mediation service, which acts as a neutral third party and helps opposing sides find a compromise.
RICS has established a Neighborhood Disputes Service to negotiate agreements between homeowners.
If you decide to take further action, you should hire a professional lighting specialist who can assess the impact of the development.
Raising the issue before construction begins can ensure that the need for natural light is taken into account and legal action and attorneys can be avoided.
However, even if the construction work is completed, neighboring homeowners can make a right to minor claim for compensation or modification, provided that evidence is provided.
If it gets as far as the court, judges can award financial compensation or order changes to restore natural light.
The amount of available compensation depends on the situation.