Stair treds of different heights?

[chappers]

From a building control point of view, I would have thought there would be more of an issue if the "landing" was a new addition as compared to two flights coming off an existing structure.

 

[tony1851]

an inspector said it has to be a meter away.

That's nonsense - there is no such guidance in the Approved Document; ask him to point the rule out to you (page no.? paragraph no.?)

 

[chappers]

an inspector said it has to be a meter away.

That's nonsense - there is no such guidance in the Approved Document; ask him to point the rule out to you (page no.? paragraph no.?)

I agree there is nothing in the regs about this, but I am convinced that in the past there was.
Is this going to be a new landing and if so, why can't it be included in the overall F2F measurement

 

[tony1851]

I am convinced that in the past there was.

That doesn't matter; the ultimate regulation for stairs is reg. K1 of the Building Regulations which simply states;

"stairs shall be designed, constructed and installed so as to be safe for people moving in and about the building".

The Approved Documents are only guidance and you can use other standards if you want, eg BS 5395, or the Nigerian Mud Hut Building Code, as long as the stairs are safe.

If a BCO decides that the stairs are not 'safe', then he would probably not issue a Certificate for the works. In that case, challenge him to issue a s.35 or s.36 notice on the grounds of contravention of the Building Regs. If they took that route, the council would have to prove that the stairs were non-compliant, which they won't be able to do.

They cannot leave you in limbo; the stairs are either safe or unsafe and there is no middle way. If they are safe, they must give you the Certificate; if they are unsafe, they must prosecute you, otherwise they are not doing their job.

 

[jeds]

Interesting, thanks guys.

I don't really know what the real answer is

See above.

but an inspector said it has to be a meter away.

Talking out his rear. Ask him for a reference - he won't have one.