Turning a house into two flats.

[The otter 10]

Considering doing this with my semi detached. Does anyone know if any planning permission is needed. Nothing will be added to the exterior just a full interior face lift. And also of any other documents I might need.

 

Its just an idea at the moment.

 

Any help then cheers

[Phylis 10]

Check the deeds to the house as some stipulate it must be kept as a single dwelling house. I know ours does.

[msdiane 10]

Was watching a property development programme (ok it's not 100% surefire) about this and that said no. The reason I took interest is because I live in Hillsborough and alot of houses are turning into flats and split dwellings and we have never been asked for our opinion. But there have been no structual changes to the exterior, so this may be the reason why.

[pete_jim 10]

I'm almost sure you will need the work to comply with building regualtions if you are going to seperate the house into two dwellings, regardless of whether you alter the exterior or not. This will entail massive works to comply with the various noise, fire and insulation regulations. It's fine if you are going to live there and not do anything with the second flat but if you just do it and ignore the various regulations you will have a dreadful time selling it as a whole unit and virtually no chance at all of selling the flats seperately. Get specialist advice, and hour with a clued up architect could save a lot of grief.

[RockBaboon 10]

pete_jim is spot on. I used to draw up plans for this type of work many years ago and noise suppression and fire supression were quite involved back then. I doubt it's changed much. Definatly seek out specialist advice and also talk to the Planning department at the local council. They're usually quite helpful.

 

Link to Build Regulation Approved Documents:

 

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314110382.html

 

 

Part E page 57 gives you an idea of what's inolved with noise suppression.

[The otter 10]

Thanks for the help. Appreciate the information. I'll use the link and look into it more