Site Progress at Low Ham, Somerset

Works are ongoing to Phase 2 of a single-storey barn conversion located in Low Ham, Somerset. After undertaking renovation works last year, construction has now progressed to the new extension of the barn to create an expanded open-plan living space. It is intended that, once completed, the new annexe will be used by our client as future carer’s accommodation.

New Residential Development at Manley Farm, Tiverton, Devon

Works are currently underway at Manley Farm near Tiverton, Devon for 2 contemporary 5 bedroom dwellings with open plan ground floor living space consists of a large 2 storey entrance hall, spacious kitchen/dining area and lounge. At first floor level there is a link bridge that connects the bedroom wing to the main entrance hall area and Master Bedroom.

The external appearance of the building will consist of dark timber cladding with powder coated aluminium doors and windows and standing seam roof.

Site Progress on new extensions at Curry Rivel

Works are progressing well on a project in Curry Rivel, currently near to completion the proposals were to replace an existing uninsulated extension to the main house with a new bespoke two storey and single storey extension. The works also comprise of internal alterations to create a central circulation space with new rear entrance hall, Kitchen, Garden Room, Utility Area, Family Bathroom and Master Bedroom with En-suite.

The new Garden Room, Kitchen and Master Bedroom take advantages of view to the rear garden and surrounding countryside.

Government announce BNG Exemption on Small Sites less than 2000sqm

It has just been confirmed by the Government that small sites, less that 2,000sqm (0.2ha), will be exempt from BNG.

Biodiversity Net Gain, which requires developments in England to increase biodiversity by 10%, has been in place for less than two years.

For full details on the announcement, please see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3r7zp418p8o

Photo by Chris Meads on Unsplash

Somerset Council is taking action to tackle planning application backlog

We can confirm that Somerset Council has launched a 12-week action plan to reduce planning application backlog and improve response times for residents and developers.

From Monday 28 July, Somerset Council will launch a 12-week period of specific critical action focused on reducing this backlog which will have an impact on the level of service delivered.

Measures introduced during this 12-week period will include:

  • Asking customers, Members and applicants not to chase for updates to allow the time created to focus on decision making. Application progress can continue to be tracked online.

  • Planning officers reducing attendance at events or meetings that don’t support the objective of reducing the backlog.

  • Only accepting amendments to applications in limited circumstances.

  • Only undertaking essential site visits.

  • With a high volume of applications failing validation, applicants will only be given one chance post submission to provide the required information within 14 days. Full pre-application guidance remains available on our website and this needs to be followed.

  • Strict adherence to the call-in criteria (when applications are brought in for committee discussion) as set out in the constitution.

  • A new triage approach being introduced when applications are first received to speed up decision making.

  • Planning teams having “all in” office-based days to support the above.

A further review of progress after 12 weeks will determine the next steps or if any of these measures need to remain in place.

We will keep you updated on any future press release and how the Council progresses over the next 12 weeks.

Photo by Stuart Frisby on Unsplash

Site Progress at West Lydford

Works are making excellent progress at the site in West Lydford, Somerset for a new single storey residential property. Initial site clearance works have been undertaken, drainage installed, foundations poured and the new block and beam floor laid.

Site Progress at Bells Cottage

Dave & Helen have been very busy at Bells Cottage moving inside and working on finishes. You can follow their progress at Bells Cottage (@backatbellscottage) • Instagram photos and videos

Site Progress at Bells Cottage

Since our last post Dave & Helen have been progressing well at Bells Cottage with the external scaffolding dropped, external render complete and now the kitchen installation underway ready for completion in the new year. You can follow their progress at Bells Cottage (@backatbellscottage) • Instagram photos and videos

Update of Renovation & Extension to Bells Cottage, Somerset

Works are making excellent progress at Bells Cottage in Somerset. The roof is currently undergoing re-slating after the bat-friendly (Bat Safe) breather membrane was successfully installed. Simultaneously, internal renovations are underway, with the development of new rooms, insulation, plastering, and the installation of underfloor heating all moving forward swiftly.

Cliff Barn, Nr North Petherton, Somerset

A barn conversion near North Petherton, Somerset is now fully completed and is currently being promoted by our client. This property features a spacious open-plan reception room connected to a kitchen, making use of the original high loft space, along with a garden room situated in the existing chicken coop. Additionally, a new first-floor section has been integrated, offering extra sleeping and bathing space.

Images by Jackson Stops

Hartrow Farm Residential Development Nearing Completion

Evan House has now been completed within the development of Hartrow Farm. Located on a split level site Evan House is located on the lower level with outstanding views of the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel. The site sits in a beautiful and unspoilt rural location on the edge of the Brendon Hills and Exmoor National Park.


North Petherton, Somerset, Barn Conversion

Work is nearing completion to convert a redundant machinery barn into a 4 bedroom property near North Petherton, Somerset.

Cossington, Somerset, New Build Dwelling

Works were completed near the end of last year on a new build house, designed to be built into the contours of the existing land with internal splits levels. The main living area being located on the lower level and bedroom accommodation on the higher. Externally a grass roof was used to reduce the impact of the new property in its surroundings.

Barn Renovation, North Petherton, Somerset

Works are progressing well on the renovation of an existing barn near North Petherton, Somerset with completion due this month. The new house consists of a large open plan, double height kitchen, lounge and entertaining space with garden room to the garden and 4 double bedrooms with en-suites.

Residential Development, Lydeard St Lawrence

Works have been progressing well on a residential development located rurally within Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset and consisting of 5 new 4 bedroom properties.

Renovation & Extension to Bells Cottage

We were asked by Dave & Helen to obtain planning and building regulations for their renovation and extension of Bells Cottage. Works started late last year and are progressing well and Helen has created an Instagram page where the progress can be followed Bells Cottage (@backatbellscottage) • Instagram photos and videos

Building Regulations Notice of Commencement

The latest legislative changes relating to The Building Safety Act 2022 were to be published at the end of latest month with changes to be made to commencement and completion requirements.

Please see the summary of changes to commencement and completion requirements that may impact your projects. A link to the legislation can be found here - The Building Safety Act: secondary legislation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Notice of Commencement

 

As of 1st October 2023, for applications to be considered as started for the purposes of Regulation 13(5) of The Building Regulations 2010; and Section 32 of The Building Act 1984, the works will need to have progressed to at least one of the following:

 

  1. Progressed to damp proof course level (if foundations are applicable); or

  2. 15% completion of the overall project

 

Under Regulation 16 (3C) it is now a legal requirement that within five days after the work has commenced, the person carrying out work must give notice to the Building Control Body.

 

Please note that this does not change the requirement for a valid Building Control application to be submitted to Building Control prior to any works commencing on site. The above stages are only relevant to Regulation 13(5) of The Building Regulations 2010 and Section 32 of The Building Act 1984.

 

Notice of Completion

 

A Compliance Notice will be required for ALL Projects that are subject to a Building Regulations Application upon 5 days of the completion of works. A template for this notice will be issued and sent to the applicant/agent when the acknowledgement letter is issued. We will not be able to issue a completion certificate until all relevant parties have signed this.

 

The Notice of Completion will require the following information: The name, address, telephone number and (if available) email address of the client, principal contractor, and principal designer.

 

A statement will be required from the applicant to say that the works have been completed and complies with all the applicable regulations to the best of their knowledge.

 

A statement will also be required from both the principal contractor and principal designer (if applicable) to confirm they have fulfilled their duties under Part 2A (duty holders and competence). The duties for this can be found here - The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 (legislation.gov.uk)