New roof building regs?

[pilsbury]

A friend of mine (really!) had his 1930s house retiled some 3 years ago. The original plain tiles were replaced with pan tiles. No other alterations. He has recently received a letter from the council saying he needs to apply for building regs. Is this required? He’s not sure why or how this has come about so late after it was done.

Advice for him appreciated.

 

[^woody^]

For Part L? Birmingham inspectors are proactive in looking out for building and roofing work.

 

[tony1851]

If it's Part A they wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

 

[tony1851]

A friend of mine (really!) had his 1930s house retiled some 3 years ago. The original plain tiles were replaced with pan tiles. No other alterations. He has recently received a letter from the council saying he needs to apply for building regs. Is this required? He’s not sure why or how this has come about so late after it was done.

Advice for him appreciated.

He should ask them precisely why they want a Building Regs application.

 

[Doggit]

Isn't it past the period of being enforceable. Is there a material change in weight of the tiles, and is there any signs of sagging. If there's no material change, then they may be assuming that it's the thermal element of the roof that needs verifying, so what is the loft insulation like. It may well be that he tells them they are welcome to inspect it, but he's not going to put in a building regs application for the privilege of them doing so.

 

[tony1851]

I suspect the council are just trying it on and are after an application fee to boost their departmental Christmas party fund.

 

[pilsbury]

Will pass all the info on to him. Much appreciated

 

[John D v2.0]

Agreed it's a bit late for enforcement, they can serve an improvement notice at any time on something that is unsafe, but I think they're most likely wanting to check for insulation due to renovation of more than 25% of a thermal element. Also maybe their aim is to spread the word that roof replacement needs regs approval, then it should enter general awareness.

 

[Doggit]

Also maybe their aim is to spread the word that roof replacement needs regs approval

But it doesn't, so what are they up to. Is it a zealous newbie in the department, or an old guy who doesn't understand the regs properly. And we won't know the answer till sometime after Christmas.

 

[^woody^]

If the council have just received a complaint along the lines of "Pillsbury's mate has had his roof done", then they won't know when. So after a quick drive by to see, will just send out a speculative letter inviting the homeowner to submit an application, to which the homeowner does so or tells the council to do one.